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THE HEROES OF ALBANY. 



M E M O RIAL 



fivtviot-Piutjjvss of the fiitjj mA fflouutu of ^Imuijj, 



sacrificj:d their lives DuniNa the late 

WAR IN defence OF OUR NATION, 
1861-1865, 

WITH A VIEW OF MIIAT WAS DONE IN THE COUNTY 

TO SUSTAIN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT; 

AND ALSO BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE 

ALBANY REGIMENTS. 



By RUFUS W. CLARK, D. D. 







1SG7 

■^ of VVasbit^t^" 






,^ ALBANY: 


s. 


R. 


GRAY, PUBLISHER, 

NO. 38 STATE STREET. 

18GG. 

V 






Entered according to act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred 
and sixty-six, 

By S . R . GRAY, 

in the Clerk's ofEcc of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern 
District of New York. 



C. Van Bknthuysen & Sons, 

Printers, Slereotypers and Binders, 

407 Broadway, Albany. 



15/ 



TO THE 



RELATIVES AND FRIENDS 



NOBLE PATRIOTS OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY, 



SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN OUR DEFENCE AND FOR THE 
AMERICAN REPUBLIC, 

THIS VOLUME 

IS MOST RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY 

INSCRIBED. 



CONTENTS 



Page. 

INTRODUCTIOX 11 

I.... MAJ. GEN. ORMSBY MACKNIGHT MITCHEL 53 

II.... BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE 65 

III.... BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT 88 

IV.... COL. EDWARD FRISBY 119 

v.... COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON 129 

VI.... COL. JOHN WILSON 141 

VII.... COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN 195 

VIII.... COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER 207 

IX.... COL. LEWIS OWEN MORRIS 214 

X.... COL. JAMES P. McMAHON 225 

XI.... COL. JAMES D. VISSCHER 231 

XII .... COL. HOWARD CARROLL 236 

XIII.... COL. GEORGE W. PRATT 240 

XIV.... LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK LYMAN TREMAIN 243 

XV.... LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD 277 

XVI.... MAJ. CHARLES ELISHA PRUYN 280 

XVII.... MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON 318 

XVIII.... MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED 336 

XIX.... MAJ. JAMES HENRY BOGART 343 

XX.... MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE 349 

XXI.... MAJ. MILES McDonald 355 

XXII.... MAJ. GEORGE WASHINGTON STACKHOUSE 361 

XXIII .... AD JT. RICHARD MARVIN STRONG 362 

XXIV.... ADJT. JOHN H. RUSSELL 381 

XXV.... CAPT. JOHN DePEYSTER DOUW 384 

XXVI.... CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS 395 

XXVII.... CAPT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD 402 

XXVIII.... CAPT. WILLIAM JAMES TEMPLE 410 

XXIX,... CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER 414 

XXX.... CAPT. JAMES KENNEDY 420 

XXXI.... CAPT. HARMON N. MERRIMAN 423 

XXXII.... CAPT. JOHN A. FEE 427 

XXXIII.... CAPT. EDWARD B. CARROLL 433 

XXXIV.... CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE 435 

XXXV.... CAPT. JOHN ARTHUR MORRIS 440 



Vi CONTENTS. 

« Page. 

XXXVI.... CAPT. JOHN McGUIRE 443 

XXXVII.... CAPT. NATHANIEL WRIGHT 445 

XXXVIII.... CAPT. JOHN SULLIVAN 447 

XXXIX.... CAPT. ROBERT BARTLETT EVERETT 450 

XL.... CAPT. ROBERT H. BELL 451 

XLI.... CAPT. DAVID BURHANS 453 

XLII.... LIEUT. CHARLES WESLEY HEALD 454 

XLIII.... LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON 457 

XLIV.... LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN 404 

XLV.... LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER 41)9 

XLVI.... LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY 514 

XLVII .... LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY 524 

XLVIII.... LIEUT. WILLIAM EMMET ORR 5:19 

XLIX.... LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN 542 

L.... LIEUT. MICHAEL HENRY BARCKLEY 545 

LI ... . LIEUT. CHARLES SWAINE EVANS 549 

LII.... LIEUT. CHARLES L. YBARSLEY 554 

LIII.... LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY 559 

LI V .... LIEUT. JOHN B. READ 502 

LV . . . . LIEUT. HENRY McCONNELL 504 

LVI .... LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL 505 

LVII .... LIEUT. LUTHER HECKLEY HILL 507 

LVIII.... LIEUT. WILLIAM PAIGE CLARK 570 

LIX.... LIEUT. JOHN PETER PHILLIPS 571 

LX.... LIEUT. SYLVESTER BARRETT SHEPARD 573 

LXI.... LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER 575 

LXII.... LIEUT. ROBERT G. NOXON 577 

LXIII.,.. LIEUT. JAMES McALISTER SOUTHWICK 578 

LXIV.... LIEUT. EDWARD BAYARD HILL ... 580 

LXV.... ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER 589 

LXVI.... SERGT. MAJ. IRVING P. JAQUES 591 

LXVII.... SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH 590 

LXVIII .... SERGT. WALTER HENRY ANGUS 001 

LXIX .... SERGT. JAMES S. GERLING 000 

LXX.... SERGT. ALEXANDER DAVIDSON RICE 009 

LXXI.... SERGT. GEORGE SA'NDERS Oil 

LXXII.... SERGT. JOSEPH COWAN VANDERHOOF 013 

LXXIII.... SERGT. ANDREW T. HOTALING 015 

LXXIV.... SERGT. AVILLIAM HENRY BELL 017 

LXXV.... SERGT. PAUL QUAY 018 

LXXVI..., SERGT. WILLIAM CROUNSE 020 

LXXVII.... SERGT. GUSTAVUS A. PERCY 023 

LXXVIII.... CORPL. WILLIAM MURRY 024 

LXXIX.... CORPL. GEORGE T. GATES 028 

LXXX .... CORPL. CHARLES G. LATHAM 033 

LXXXI.... CORPL. ALBERT C. SMITH 039 

LXXXII.... CORPL. ROBERT H. CAMERON 041 

LXXXIII.... CORPL. JAMES YOUNG 045 

LXXXIV.... CORPL. ALONZO E. LEWIS 046 

LXXXV.... CORPL. WILLIAM H. MOON 049 



CONTENTS. Vll 

Page. 

LXXXVI ... GORPL. ROBERT B. DARLING 652 

LXXXVir.... CORPL. PHILIP VAN DENBURG 656 

LXXXVIII.... CORPL. MARTIN SITTERLY 661 

LXXXIX.... CORPL. LEWIS W. QUAY 664 

XC . . . . CORPL. ISAAC J. ROACH 666 

XCI.... CORPL. JOHN E. BAILEY 669 

XCII .... CORPL. ERASTUS HAMILTON HOLMES 671 

XCIII .... CORPL. ALONZO GROVE LUDDEN 672 

XCIV.... JOHN H. CONLEY 678 

XCV.... WILLIAM C. CADY 684 

XCVI... ROBERT HENRY KING 688 

XCVII.... GEORGE B. WOLCOTT 696 

XCVIII.... JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY 698 

XCIX.... WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK 707 

C... CHARLES MOORE BROWER 715 

CI.... ROSWELL B. CORLISS 717 

CII . . . . STEPHEN ROSS WHITE 718 

CIII.... JAMES E. GOOLD 719 

CIV.... ORANGE DUDLEY 725 

CV.... LEVI I. HARVEY 727 

CVI.... SAMUEL G. LOOMIS 728 

CVII.... EDWARD AUGUSTUS HIGHAM 733 

CVIII.... ALEXANDER S. SLAWSON '. 734 

CIX.... WHITMAN V. R. MATTOON 735 

ex.... THOMAS GOLDWAIT 737 

CXI.... JOHN A. LOCKIrEY 738 

CXII.... HARMON VISSCHER, Jr 739 

CXIII.... GEORGE STEVENS 740 

CXIV.... ADDISON J. FELLOWS 742 

CXV.... SAMUEL W.- CHANDLER 743 

CXVI.... JESSE D. VAN HAGEN 744 

CXVII.... WILLIAM M. BRIGGS 745 

CXVIII.... HUGH HAMMILL 746 

CXIX.... WILLIAM J. WHYTE 748 

CXX.... CHARLES SEDAM HEERMANCE 749 

CXXI.... STEPHEN PUTNAM PARKS 751 

CXXII.... HENRY SAYRE 762 

CXXIII.... ROBERT A. CADWELL 755 

CXXIV.... JOSIAH DUNHAM 756 

CXXV .... JOHN C. CAVERLY 758 

CXXVI.... FERGUS MADDEN 759 

CXXVII .... GEORGE W. SCHERMERHORN 760 

CXXVIII.... WILLIAM SNELL 763 

CXXIX.... EDMUND HOLMES 764 

CXXX.... MINOT HENRY PEASE 765 

CXXXI.... JOHN VAN BUEREN 766 

CXXXII.... SAMUEL W. KELLY 767 

CXXXIII.... JOSEPH GLADDING 770 

CXXXIV.... JOHN G. PERKINS 771 

CXXXV.... AARON P. SPRINGER 773 



Vlll 



CONTENTS. 



CXXXVl.... GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG 774 

CXXXVII.... ABRAM M. CARHART 787 

CXXXVIII.... JAMES A. SCRAFFORD 788 

CXXXIX.... MICHAEL WAGNER 789 

CXL.,.. GEORGE VAN WIE 790 

CXLI.... AVILLIAM HAVENS 793 

CXLII.... ADDISON B. MILLER 794 

CXLIII.... JOEL WILSON 796 

CXLIV.... AZOR T. HAYES 797 

CXLV.... JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE 798 

CXLVI .... AL ANSON F. HOFFMAN 802 

cxLVii .... DAVID Mcculloch 806 

CXLVIII.... STEPHEN McCULLOCH 808 

CXLIX.... JAMES WILSON 809 

CL.... SEBASTIAN PEARSE 810 

CLI.... JOEL B. PITTS 811 

CLII.... ARTHUR HASWELL 812 

CLIII.... GEORGE W. KILBOURN 815 

CLIV .... JACOB VAN ALLEN 816 

CLV.... CHARLES VAN ALLEN 817 

SHORT NOTICES OF OTHER OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS 821-844 

BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE ALBANY REGIMENTS 845-865 

ALPHABETICAL INDEX OP THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS AND SOL- 
DIERS NOTICED IN THIS VOLUME 867 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



FRONTISPIECE. Page. 

VIEW OF THE ALBANY BAZAAR 26 

PORTRAIT OF GEN. ORMSBY M. MITCHEL 53 

PORTRAIT OF BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT 88 

PORTRAIT OF COL. JOHN WILSON 141 

PORTRAIT OF MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN 280 

PORTRAIT OF C APT. JOHN D.' P. DOUW 384 

PORTRAIT OF ROBERT H. KING 688 

VIEW OF FORT ALBANY 845 



INTRODUCTION 



The design of this volume, is to commemorate the patriotic 
services and noble deeds, of the men who have died on the battle 
field for our Nation's honor, perpetuity and prosperity. While 
they have done so much for us, the least that we can do for them 
is to cherish their memory, record their virtues, and pay to them 
the tribute of our gratitude and admiration. 

History does not furnish us with an account of any war, which 
has called forth a purer patriotism, a holier love of liberty, or 
loftier sentiments of duty and devotion to the public good, than 
have characterized the heroes who were engaged in our late 
struggle for the maintenaiicc of the American nationality. In 
preserving this nationality, they were inspired with the belief 
that they were toiling to keep alive the best government that 
Heaven ever granted to a people; to perpetuate and extend those 
social, educational and religious institutions upon which virtue 
and happiness are based, and to secure the triumph of humanity 
and justice, over systems of oppression that are a reproach and a 
peril to any nation. And on the bright roll of martyr-heroes 
none stand higher for purity, bravery and patriotism than many 
who have gone forth from the city and county of Albany, and 
whose precious remains we have followed to the grave with tears 
of personal affection, and feelings of the warmest gratitude. While 
their cold forms rest with us, their influence and noble deeds 
have entered into the most valued parts of American history. 
By dying, they have put fresh life into the Republic and added 
to the value of our institutions. We have more to love, more to 
admire, more to pray for, than we had before their heroism was 
added to our national cliaracter. A republic for which such 
sacrifices have been made, and upon whose- altar such no))le and 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

pvecious lives have l)een laid, must live; and its free institutions 
must, in all future time, hold supremacy over every inch of terri- 
tory embraced within the limits of our country. By all that is 
sacred in the past, and all that is valuable in the futui-e, every 
true American is bound to accept as the guide of his conduct and 
the inspiration of his life, the words of the gifted AVebster: 
" Liberty and Union, one -and inseparable, now and forever." 

In April, 1861, the first guns were tired from the l^atteries of 
treason upon Fort Sumter. The sound of those guns startled 
the Nation, and revealed the existence of a deep, wide-spread 
and malignant rebellion. After a long period of peace, unity 
and uninterrupted prosperity — during which the arts had been 
advanced, the resources of the country developed, manufactures 
and commerce increased, and the national domain extended, with 
a rapidity almost Avithout a parallel in history — there burst upon 
us the storm of war, that raged for four years, periling the 
Nation, eml)arrassing our relations with foreign powers, carrying 
desolation to tens of thousands of homes, and producing an 
amount of personal suffering and domestic anguish that no lan- 
guage can depict. 

To stay the fury of the tempest and save the ship of state from 
being engulfed in the angry waters, all the lo^-al States vied with 
each other in their prompt exertions and their liberal contribu- 
tions of men and money. And we cannot enter upon our biogra- 
phical sketches of the illustrious dead, without first alluding to 
what our State and County have done to sustain the government 
and preserve the llepublic. 

contributions from the state. 

At the breaking out of the war, his Excellency Edwin D. 
Morgan, Governor of the State of New York, used the whole 
force of his personal influence and executive authority to secure 
large appropriations of money, and to raise men, to promptly 
aid the general government in suppressing the rebellion. In 
this work he received the cordial co-operation of other earnest 
patriots; and especially in the organization and equipment of the 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

first regiments that were sent from the State, was he aided ])y 
Gen. John Meuedith Read, Jr., who at the time was a member 
of his staff. The efficiency, perseverance and zeal of Gen. Re.\d, 
displuyed at that crisis in our national affairs, were of immense 
importance in developing and bringing into the field the effective 
forces of the State. 

As the result of the efforts of Governor Morgan and those who 
co-operated with him, and also of his successors in office, this 
State sent four hundred and seventy-four thousand men into the 
field, during the four years that the war continued. This immense 
number took about one-eighth of our entire population, and 
formed one-fifth of the whole United States army.* This single 
fact, revealed the depth and extent of the spirit of patriotism, in 
the Empire State. 

Ill this vast multitude, all professions, avocations and ranks in 
life were represented. From our farms and factories; from the 
workshop, the store and the counting room; from the pulpit, the 
bar and the medical profession; from colleges and theological 
seminaries; from fashionable and refined circles, and christian 
homes, men rushed forth to defend the Union and liberty, or die 
in the struggle. 

Col. LocKWOOD L. Doty, in his third annual report of the 
Bureau of Military Record, alludes to this exciting period in the 
folio wino; concise and forcible lanmiao-e: 

The news of the surrender of Fort Sumter reached the State 
capital on Sunday morning the 14th. A meeting took place in 
the afternoon at the Executive chamber. There were present, 

• When President Lincoln, in April, 1861, called for 75,000 militia for three months' 
service, the army of the United States had on its rolls 14,000 men. During the ensuing 
four years 2,688,523 were enlisted, of which 2,408,103 left the army alive. Of the bal- 
ance, 96,089 died in battle or of wounds, while 184,331 died of disease. The number of 
white troops enlisted was about 2,500,000. The number of deaths among them was 251,- 
122, or one death out of ten. The number of colored troops was 180,000, of whom 29,- 
298 died, or about one out of six — being nearly double the rate of deaths among the 
■white troops ; three died on the field of battle and five from disease ; out of every nine 
deaths among the blacks, one died on the field of battle and eight from disease. The 
mortality among the volunteers was nearly fifteen per cent greater than among the regu- 
lars. These statistics are taken from ofiicial records, but while they give the number of 
those who died in the service, they make no mention of the host obliged to leave the 
army and who went home to die. 



14 INTKODUCTION. 

the Governor and other State officers, the Speaker of the Assem- 
bly and members of the military and finance committees of the 
two honses. A committee, consistino; of the Attorney General, 
the Adjutant General, the Inspector General, Mr. Blood, of the 
Senate, and Mr. Robinson, of the Assembly, were appointed to 
draft a bill to be submitted to the Leg-islature next mornino;. 
As draAvn by the committee, the bill invested the Governor with 
the power of its execution. It provided for the enrollment of 
thirty thousand volunteer militia to serve two years, and appro- 
priated three million dollars to meet the expense. The Legis- 
lature subsequently connected the State officers with the Gov- 
ernor in raising and organizing the troops, and the commission 
thus constituted formed what was popularly known as the State 
Military Board. The bill, as modihed, was passed by the Legis- 
lature and signed by the Governor on the l(3th of April. 

On the 15tli had been received the President's proclamation 
calling forth the militia of the several States, including; three or 
four States that subsequently passed the ordinance of secession. 
It designated a muster of seventy-five thousand, in order to sup- 
press combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed. 

The quota assigned to New York consisted of two Major Gen- 
erals, four Brigadiers, and aids to general officers, and seventeen 
regiments of seven hundred and eighty each, officers and men, 
making an aggregate force of 13,280. These were to be detached 
from the militia under the act of Congress of February 28, 1795, 
to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period of three months, 
unless sooner discharged. The rendezvous of this State were 
appointed at New York, Albany and Elmira. 

There Avas no delay. The capital became at once thronged 
with anxious persons. Ordinary lousiness was mostly suspended, 
and volunteering l)egun, before the authorities were able to accept 
the services of those who thus promptly responded. 

Were we permitted, at this place, to transcribe the telegrams 
of a single day received by the Governor from all points, while 
millions of loyal hearts were trembling for the safety of Wash- 
ington, the revelation would compress a thousand pages of 
thought and action, that are now historic, in a single sheet. How 
startling was the first summons flashing along the wires from the 
threatened capital of the Nation; how incessant the fiery mes- 
sages thereafter! We may quote a few of these dispatches as 
indicative of the excited and impatient state of public feeling at 
that time: 

"War Department, April 15, 1861. Call made on you by 
to-night's mail for seventeen regiments of militia for immediate 
service." Simeon Cameron, Secretary of War. 



ENTRODUCTION. 15 

"Washington, April 15. Send no troops here except by 
water." 

"New York, April 15. Colonel Ellsworth desires to raise a 
regiment of Zouaves in New York city. Will you accept them?" 

"New York, April 17. Virginia seceded. Harper's Ferry 
taken. Washington endangered; ready all night to serve orders." 

"New York, April 18. Lose not a moment in issuing your 
orders for the additional regiments for Washington. The people 
are impatient of delay." 

" New York, April 19. Post, third edition, asserts reliable 
news, Davis being within one day's march of Washington with 
an army. Our city military seem impatient." 

"New York, April 19. The whole city is most anxious to 
have the militia of the State armed at once; and instant departure 
of twenty thousand troops to Washington." 

" Elmira, April 18. The Southern Tier Eifles have unanim- 
ously resolved to tender their services to the General Govern- 
ment. The Colonel awaits your Excellency's orders." 

" New York, April 20. Telegraph states that troops must go 
on to-night, or Washington is gone." 

"New York, April 20. The bridges are gone, and communi- 
cation cut oif between Philadelphia and Washington." 

" Chicago, April 20. Allow me to suggest the necessity of 
concentrating troops immediately on the Pennsylvania state lino 
nearest Washin<jton." 

" New York, April 20. The impression is here that Wash- 
ington will be taken before Monday. Com. Vanderbilt and Mr. 
Aspinwall tender to you all the steamers necessary. Reported 
that bridges between Baltimore and Harrisburg are broken down." 

" New York, April 20. It is most important that Col. Wil- 
son's regiment be ordered off this p. m." 

" Washington, April 20. Send the first regiment you get 
ready in fast steamer up the Potomac." 

Simeon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

"New York, April 20. Washington is lost, unless Maryland 
is kept open and bridges repaired. Let five thousand troops 
march." 



16 IXTRODUCTION. 

Such, in variety, were the multitudinous messages of alarm 
and counsel which kept the electric wires in constant action. 
They were throbl)ings of the great heart of the people — sponta- 
neous, irrepressil)le; and on the afternoon of April 20th, 1861, 
they became su])limely audiljle at the immense mass meeting in 
Union square, in the city of New York. Then followed the 
departure of our gallant National Guard, fourteen regiments in 
all; and the volunteer regiments — first seventeen of them, and 
tiien twenty-one — -which sprung up in all pai-ts of the State. 
Their transit upon the railroads, their march through the metro- 
polis, the towns and cities, will be recollected as among the most 
cheering and impressive pageants of the war. They left their 
homes for the field of duty, bearing with them the prayers of 
unnumljcred hearts. 

The voice of a loyal press in our commonwealth was like a 
bugle-blast during this period. Its thrilling tones penetrated to 
every household, and gave utterance to the popular enthusiasm. 
Its representatives threw down the pen and grasped the SAvord; 
they hastened to the van of our armies; they prepared to make 
the history which they were afterwards to chronicle. 

Worthily interpreting the spirit of their constituency, our 
State Legislature prolonged its session and redoubled its labors. 
Loyal men of all political opinions rallied around the flag of 
their country; and it will be remembered as one of the noblest 
manifestations of that period of danger, how enthusiastically the 
last hours of Senate and Assembly in 1861 were devoted to the 
duties of patriotism. 

The Military Board met on the evening of the 16th of April, 
the day of the passage of the law. The Governor submitted a 
dispatch from the Secretary of War, stating that the President 
had made requisition on New York for about thirteen thousand 
men, to be mustered into immediate service, and that he would 
be gratified to have one or more regiments march to Washington 
before the close of that week. 

The juncture demanded prompt action, and the l^oard at once 
responded, hy resolving that seventeen regiments of seven hun- 
dred and eighty men each be enrolled and mustered into service 
for two years. Provision was also made for the prompt trans- 
portation to Washington of such of the militia regiments as were 
to serve as minute-men, as well as of the volunteers; and also for 
procuring necessary quarters, hospital and medical supplies, and 
for incidental ol)jects. There was need of this action; such being 
the condition of affairs at Washington that the State was left, in 
most part, to supply transportation for its troops. Indeed every- 
thing was to be provided l)y our own authorities in the way of 
accommodations for volunteers, sick and well. The Governor's 



INTRODUCTION. 17 

military staff, fortunately, was composed of men who were fully 
competent for the new and weighty duties now imposed upon 
them. No time was given them to delilierate, but the work was 
pressed at once upon their attention. Soldiers were arriving at 
the principal depots — even before authority to receive them 
existed — often, indeed, presenting themselves unannounced; and 
such was the fervor of the times that many who were oljviously 
unlit physically and by reason of age, came with the able-bodied 
volunteers. Orders were promptly issued for the rendezvous 
and organization of men; barracks were provided and hospitals 
improvised. The details, as well as the general duties of several 
of the staff departments, were instantly and vigorously entered 
upon. And there was ample employment for the head and heart 
of each. An army of forty thousand men, including the militia, 
were to be prepared for the field, and the records of the period 
show how al)ly and efficiently every duty was performed. 

Several officers of the regular army were assigned to tempo- 
rary duty at Alliany about this period, to assist the military 
departments by their experience. Of these were Col. Delaficld, 
since promoted to be Chief of Engineers, U. S. A.; Col. Schriver, 
for two or three years Inspector General of the army of the 
Potomac; Col. Keyes, subsequently in command of an army 
corps; and Maj. Patrick, long Provost Marshal General of the 
army of the Potomac. 

While officials were thus engaged, the people were alive with 
zeal in preparing to answer the call of the Government. They 
held public meetings, adopted patriotic addresses, raised money 
and enrolled men in all parts of the State. Past political differ- 
ences were forgotten; flags were thrown from church steeples, 
from public buildings, from school houses and from private resi- 
dences. All was animation; a state of peace had been suddenly 
transformed into a condition of war. 

On the 18th the Governor issued his proclamation for seven- 
teen regiments to be enrolled under the act passed by the Legis- 
lature. 

On the 19th a great meeting of merchants was held in the city 
of New York. Resolutions to sustain the Government were 
adopted, and on it being announced that several regiments, then 
organizing, needed assistance, more than tAventy thousand dollars 
were raised in ten minutes' time. The Seventh Militia Reoi- 
ment left that city on the same day for Washington, amid great 
enthusiasm. 

The next day occurred that memorable meeting in Union 
square, where leading citizens, without distinction of party, met 
to unite their voices in support of the Government. Their action 
gave direction to popular sentiment everywhere. The meeting 

2 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

was an important one in the best sense. Conventions and meet- 
ings were held the same (hiy in Schenectady, Hudson, Utica, 
Oswego and Rochester, where men were raised and money sub- 
scribed. The people of Poughkeepsie, Troy, Aulnirn, Syracuse 
and Buffalo also met to counsel together on the best mode of 
responding to the country's call; and town and village, great and 
small, were likewise engaged, Avhile Albany and Elmira were 
changed in a few hours from lousiness centres to military camps. 

On the 21st the Sixth, Twelfth and Seventy-tirst Regiments of 
militia left New York, and the Twenty-tifth Regiment left Albany, 
for Washington. 

On the 22d the city of New York appropriated one million 
dollars for fitting out soldiers and supporting the families of 
volunteers. A patriotic meeting of the bench and bar of that 
city was organized the same day, at which money was subscribed 
by the thousand. 

The succeeding day witnessed a great meeting in Brooklyn, at 
Avhich Robert J. Walker, a former cabinet officer and resident of 
the second State to place itself in open rebellion, spoke. The 
Thirteenth militia, a Brooklyn regiment, left during the day, and 
the Eighth and Sixty-ninth militia of the city of New York 
departed at the same time for Washington. 

Public manifestations increased. Nationalities vied with each 
other in the work of raising regiments and sustaining the Gov- 
ernment. On the 25th an enthusiastic meeting of British resi- 
dents was held in New York, and two or three days later French 
residents held a Union meeting. The Germans met frequently 
in large assemblages; and other nationalities were equally active. 
Distinctive regiments of Irish, Scotch, German and French were 
beino; raised for the war. 

The Common Council of Buffalo made a large appropriation to 
equip a local regiment. Troy established a special depot, and 
raised money for its support. Other cities were not behind in 
the work. Collections were made in churches and at other assem- 
blages for furnishing needed supplies for the soldiers and for 
supporting their families. 

On the 26th of April the Secretary of War wrote as follows 
to the Governor. He had previously expressed himself in the 
same spirit: "I have to repeat the acknowledgments of this 
Department for your very prompt and energetic action in send- 
ing forward the troops of your State." 

It was the glory of New York to be then, as since, in advance 
of the calls upon her by the Government for men.* 

* For an account of the regiments sent to the war from the city of Albany, see Appendix. 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

The State, too, poured forth its treasures like water. Early 
in the war the bankers and men of wealth offered sums to almost 
any amount, to aid in sustaining the country and the Government. 
The most liberal appropriations were made by the Legislature; 
and from the report of the Paymaster General of the State, trans- 
mitted to this body January 23d, 1866, it appears that the total 
sum disbursed for bounties alone, from July 17, 1862, to January 
1, 1866, was $35,088,999.18. In addition to this amount, the 
local authorities, says the report, have expended at least $60,- 
000,000. 

Besides these enormous sums, we are informed that the volun- 
tary contributions from individuals, for sanitary and other pur- 
poses, amounted on the lirst of January, 1866, to about $7,000,- 
000. The fiiirs held in the State yielded $2,500,000; making a 
total from these sources of $9,500,000. 

The statistics for the county of Albany are as follows: 

For county bounties $3,100,700 00 

For recruiting fees and other expenses connected 

with enlistments . 225,125 39 

Total.. _ $3,325,825 39 

There was raised by county taxes $641,441 47 

Raised by county loans 2,989,522 00 

Total $3,630,963 47 

These figures show the great sacrifices that the people were 
ready to make for the preservation of our Republic. 

EARLY EFFORTS IN ALB^VNY. 

In the department of voluntary contributions for the comfort 
of our soldiers and their families, and for the sick and wounded 
in camps and hospitals, the citizens of Albany manifested the 
greatest liberality during the entire period of the war. 

Among the earliest efforts were those that we made to provide 
for the families of soldiers needing assistance. A committee was 
appointed to raise a fund called the " Citizens' Military Relief 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

Fund," to which our citizens most promptly and liberally con- 
tributed. Many esteemed it a privilege to add to the support 
and comfort of the families of the noljle men who had gone forth 
for the defence of our Nation, The finance committee consisted 
of the following patriotic gentlemen: Messrs. John Benson, Ben- 
jamin Payn, J. W. Haecourt, R. H. Wells, IIiram Perry, M. 
W. Bender, Wm, M. Van Antwerp, R. P. Lathrop, A. Van 
Allen, Franklin Townsend, C. D. Rathbone, Tiios. P. Crook. 

The total amount collected and paid over to J. C. Y. Paige, 
Esq., City Chamberlain, was $20,479.00. In addition to this, 
printing and binding were gi-atuitously done by Messrs. Weed, 
Parsons & Co., and Messrs Munsell & Rowland. 

Through this agency many families were aided, who would 
otherwise have been deprived of the necessaries of life. 

To the patriotic ladies also, of our city, is the highest praise 
due for the promptness with which they responded to the calls 
that were made upon them. The first to move were Mrs. Gov- 
ernor Morgan, Mrs. J. Tayler EUll, and others with whom they 
became associated. After various efforts it was deemed expe- 
dient to organize an association for the more efficient accomplish- 
ment of the objects that were before the ladies. 

the ladies' army relief association. 

As early as the first day of November, 1861, the Ladies' Army 
Relief Association of Albany was organized, to co-operate with 
the United States Sanitary Commission in affording aid to sick 
and wounded soldiers. Its first president was Mrs. Edwin D. 
Morgan, who entered most heartily into the work of the asso- 
ciation. The following ladies constituted the first executive com- 
mittee: Mrs. E. D. Morgan, Mrs. Wm. B. Sprague, Mrs. E. P. 
Rogers, Mrs. S. T. Seelye, Mrs. Ray Palmer, Mrs. Mark Traf- 
TON, Mi:s. A. D. Mayo, Mrs. J. McNaughton, Mrs. Charles M. 
Jenkins, Mrs. George H. Thacher, Mrs. Eli Perry, Mis. Thos. 
Hun, Mrs. Jacob L^^nsing, Mrs. Ransom, Mrs. James Hall, Mrs. 
Otis Allen, Mrs. George B. Steele, Miss C. Pruyn, Mrs. Wm. 
Barnes. 



INTRODUCTION. 21 

Mrs. William Barnes was appointed Secretary of the associa- 
tion, and the marked efficiency and patriotic zeal with which she 
discharged the duties of her office, are too well known to need 
any encomiums from my pen. She found also kindred spirits in 
the executive committee, and very many of the ladies connected 
with the association were indefatigable in their exertions to con- 
tri]>ute to its success. The young ladies of our city also co-f>pe- 
rated, and we may judge of their great industry, from the inter- 
esting statements of their work published in the annual reports 
of the association. 

From the neighboring toAvns valuable aid was also received. 
Boxes and barrels of useful articles were sent by the ladies of 
the Greenbush Aid Society; by the Coeymans Ladies' Relief 
Association; the Soldiers' Friend Society of Coeymans Landing; 
the Soldiers' Aid Society of Knox; the Soldiers' Aid Society, 
Chatham Four Corners; the Soldiers' Aid Society of Rensselaer- 
ville; the Ladies' Benevolent Society of the Baptist Church in 
Schenectady; and from the ladies of Westerlo; East Schodack, 
Stephentown, Eenssalaer county; Gloversville; Medway, Greene 
county; Gallupville; Brockett's Bridge, Herkimer county; Sche- 
nevus; Middleburgh, Schoharie county; Worcester, Otsego county; 
Nassau, Rensselaer county; Kinderhook, Valatie, Fultonham, Cas- 
tl'eton, Fulton Centre, and other towns. These contril)utions, 
the fruits of the industry and liberality of thousands of ladies 
throughout this and other counties, shows how warmly the public 
heart beat in response to the calls from our suffering soldiers. 
In one of the reports of the Albany association we find the fol- 
lowing tribute to these co-workers: 

" To the ladies of the several societies who, in this and the 
adjoining towns, have labored with us, and sent us such ample 
evidence of their efficiency and zeal, we are profoundly grateful. 
Without their aid we should have often found ourselves unable 
to meet the calls so urgently made upon us, and we thank them 
for demonstrating that, although removed from that active stim- 
ulus of personal contact and association with the war, which so 
often stirs our flagging sympathies in the cities, the fire of patri- 
otic zeal burns as brightly and warmly as though their hearts 



22 INTRODUCTION. 

were daily touched by the sight (now, alas! become so common 
to us) of sick and wounded and dying men. 

" This report would be incomplete did the committee fail to 
recognize the generous donation sent us last December by the 
religious community of Shakers at Niskayuna. Prevented by 
their religious faith from accepting that stirring call to arms 
which roused the whole Nation a little more than a j^ear ago, 
their hearts opened at once to that second appeal, which asked 
for aid in behalf of those who, answering the one, had left it to 
a great christian people to answer the other. Their quaint but 
decided protest against "the bloody trade of war" was oflset by 
such generous supplies of everything that could be used in a 
military hospital, that our suflering soldiers could well afford to 
forgive their logic while they demonstrated so well in their -prac- 
tice^ that 

'One touch of Nature makes the whole earth kin.' " 

In the same report we find the following acknowledgments of 
services rendered by several gentlemen to the association: 

" The committee cannot close this report without an expres- 
sion of its obligation to the many friends who have so faithfully 
stood by the association since its formation, aiding it as much by 
their wise counsels, as by their personal superintendence and 
attention to its many outside duties. This tribute is especially 
due to Hon. George H. Thacher, whose persistent and untiring 
devotion to the best interests of the society merits more than 
this slight acknowledgment. The uniform kindness and cour- 
tesy which has characterized all his relations with us, can never 
be forgotten by those who have been associated with him during 
the past winter at the city hall. 

" To William McElroy, and to the firm of Van Sickler & 
FoRBY, the committee would also speak one word of acknow- 
ledgment. The necessary manual labor connected with packing 
and marking large boxes has been most kindly assumed by these 
gentlemen, and no pressure of private business has ever inter- 
fered to prevent their immediate personal attention to this duty, 
when their services were required ])y the committee." 



mTRODUCTION. 23 

On the first of January, 1862, Mrs. Morgan resigned the pre- 
sidency of the association, and tlie oiJice has since been filled by 
Mrs. Horatio Seymour and by Mrs. Eeuben E. Fenton. These 
ladies, like their predecessor, brought to their position great 
executive ability and a warm interest in the welfare of the sol- 
diers. 

AVhen Mrs. Seymour was chosen president, the following 
ladies were appointed on the executive committee: Mrs. Horatio 
Seyiviour, Mrs. Ray Palmer, Mrs. Rufus W. Clark, Mrs. Chas. 
G. AaiES, j\Irs. James McNaughtox, Mrs. Charles M. Jexkixs, 
Mrs. John Taylor, Mrs. George H. Thaciier, Mrs. Jacob Lan- 
sing, Mrs. Jas. Hall, Mrs. Eli Perry, Mrs. Ransom, Mrs. Otis 
Allen, Mrs. George B. Steele, Mrs. John T. Sprague, Mrs. 
Archibald McClure, Mrs. William White, Mrs. John Tayler 
H.VLL, Mrs. Charles B. Redfield, Mrs. S. O. Vanderpoel, Mrs. 
Wm. N. Fassett, Mrs. George Shortiss, Mrs. William Barnes, 
Miss Catharine Pruyn. 

It affords us great pleasure to say that the officers and mem- 
bers of the association labored Avith unabated ardor to the very 
close of the war. During the four years ending January 1, 1866, 
they received $19,712.30, and expended $17,712.30, leaving a 
balance in the treasury of $2,000. 

Besides the aid rendered directly through the U. S. Sanitary 
Commission, the association performed other services, the follow- 
ing account of which has been kindly furnished by the secretary, 
Mrs. William Barnes: 

" When the advancing tide of war was checked by the sur- 
render of Gen. Lee, in April, 1865, its return wave threw back 
upon us thousands of disabled soldiers, who were physically 
unable to support either their families or themselves. The State, 
with provident justice and humanity, assumed the charge of 
many of these men, and gathered them into the ' Soldiers' Home '; 
but many were only partially disabled, and, with a little assist- 
ance, they were competent to help themselves. There were also 
many homes made utterly desolate, wdiere fathers, brothers and 
sons would return no more; these appealed to the association for 
relief. Monthly committees were at once appointed, and ordered 



24 INTRODUCTION. 

to visit and investigate personally every case of destitution 
brouo'ht before the executive committee. These committees 
report that they have visited in their respective districts, one 
hundred and four families, and distributed among them various 
needful articles. The chairman of these committees, Mrs. Eli 
Perry, reports that she has expended for this purpose, the sum 
of $646.31. 

In April, 1865, a committee of citizens was formed, whose 
duty it was to feed, temporarily, not only our own returning 
regiments, but also those ' in transitu ' through Albany. This 
committe appealed to the association for funds to sustain their 
enterprise, and its executive committee donated the sum of 
$2,000 for that purpose. In February, 1866, on solicitation of 
the Army and Navy Claim Agency of this city, they appropri- 
ated to it the sum of $700; thus enabling it to pay off its out- 
standing debts. This agency, it will be remembered, was estab- 
lished in 1863, by the Sanitarj' Commission, but has always been 
sustained by voluntary contributions from our citizens. 

Acting; under the suo-o-estions and advice of the officers of the 
Sanitary Commission, in New York, the association in February 
appropriated the sum of $1,000 to the National Freedman's Relief 
Commission, and $1,000 to its auxiliary society in Albany, Mrs. 
Amos Dean, treasurer. 

We have noAV the sum of $2,000 in our treasury. This money, 
and as much beside as may be entrusted to us by our citizens, 
will be faithfully and judiciously expended in relieving the neces- 
sities of soldiers and soldiers' families; and when the last dollar 
has been spent, the labors of the Army Relief Association will 
be at an end, and it will pass into history with its enduring record 
of the fidelity and patriotism of the Women of Albany." 

There were other movements among the ladies in other direc- 
tions, of which the following is worthy of note. 

In the summer of 1862, a lady in Washington city wrote to 
Mrs. Samuel Pruyn, asking her to send some stores for the 
needy soldiers, and especially for those at the camps Convales- 
cent and Parol. Mrs. Pruyn responded by sending two large 
boxes, filled with articles contributed by a few personal friends. 



INTRODUCTION. 25 

Their reception was acknowledged by a letter, giving some very 
interesting incidents in relation to the relief afforded and the 
gratitude expressed. The writer also pleaded in the name of 
humanity for a larger supply. 

Extracts from this letter, and from others subsequently re- 
ceived, were pul)lished in our daily papers, and found their way 
to many sympathizing hearts. Donations of all kinds were sent 
in to Mrs. Pkuyn, with unprecedented liberality, and in a very 
short time boxes and barrels were packed and forwarded, most 
of which reached the camps at Washington. The whole number 
thus collected was two hundred and eighty-seven, and they con- 
tained everything which could contribute to the comfort of those 
to whom they were sent. The donors had the satisfaction of 
knowing that the articles were judiciously and immediately dis- 
tributed, and without expense. 

While these eftbrts were being made, Mr. Benj^wvon Payn, of 
Albany, at the suggestion of Mrs. Pruyn, went to Washington 
and visited the camps. He was greatly excited and distressed 
by the scenes of misery that he witnessed, and came home to do 
all in his power for the relief of the soldiers. He went out into 
the country among the farmers, and quickened many to deeds of 
mercy. With the aid of Mr. Alexander Greer, he collected 
and sent on to Washington about six hundred barrels, containing 
every variety of fruit, vegetables and delicacies for the soldiers. 

THE GREAT SANITARY FAIR. 

But in the midst of these various activities, which were alive 
all over our city and county, there rises before us the grand 
demonstration of patriotic enthusiasm, that enlisted the hearts 
and hands of all classes, namely: The Army Relief Bazaar. This 
beautiful building was erected in the Academy park of this city, 
for the Great Sanitary Fair of Albany, Troy, and other localities 
in our State, which was held during the months of February and 
March, 1804. Its officers were, Hon. George H. Thacher, Pre- 
sident; Hon. Eli Perry, Vice President; Chauncey P. Williams, 
Esq., General Treasurer, and John Tayler Hall, Esq., Secretary. 



26 INTRODUCTION. 

Managers. — The President and Secretary, Chas. H. Strong, 
James H. Armsby, M. D., S. Oakley Vanderpoel, M. D., Henry 
Q. Haavley, Jacob C. Cuyler, Frank Chamberlain, Charles B. 
Eedfield, Henry T. Buell, John H. Van Antwerp, Solomon 
Hydeman, Arthur Bott, Thomas Kearney, James McNaughton, 
John Tweddle; Mrs. Eli Perry, Mrs. Wm. White, Mrs. Frank- 
lin Townsend, Mrs. Charles B. Redfield, Mrs. Thomas Hun, 

Mrs. J^iMES GOOLD. 

Managers for Troy. — Mrs. A. D. Shepard, David A. Wells, 
Mrs. George M. Tibbits, Mrs. John Flagg. 

For the following account of the Bazaar, we are indebted to 
the "Albany Express": 

" We shall not stop to consider who originated the plan of the 
Bazaar in this city. It is sufficient to say that the credit belongs 
to the ladies of our Army Relief Association. To the various 
committees the credit belongs of maturing the plan, and for the 
vast details of the really monster undertaking, and they are enti- 
tled to all praise for the success which has thus far attended 
every effort. 

" The form of the building — a double cross — and the location, 
were suggested by Henry Q. Hawley, Esq. ; and for the archi- 
tectural beauty of the structure, the pul)lic are indebted to 
Walter Dickson, Esq. The building committee, consisting of 
Henry Q. Hawley, Esq., Wm. N. Fassett, Esq., and Dr. S. O. 
Vanderpoel, have devoted their time almost exclusively to the 
performance of their very difficult and responsible duties. Their 
laliors have been most arduous, and they have been most cheer- 
fully rendered at the sacrifice of their own comfort and business 
— a sacrifice which should and must be fully appreciated, when 
we consider the extensive business engagements of these gentle- 
men. The decorations of the building, wdiich will be most elabo- 
rate, and unequaled in brilliancy, have been arranged under the 
exclusive direction of Dr. Vanderpoel, who, at the outset, secured 
the valuable services of Rice & Mickel, the well-known artists. 
The general superintendence of the work w^as entrusted to Edmund 
Knickerbocker, Esq.; and it is l)ut just to this gentleman to say 
that his services have been invaluable, and that the managers feel 



INTRODUCTIOX. 27 

under great obligations to him, as also to Mr. Dickson, the archi- 
tect. The carpenter work has been performed under the special 
direction of John N. Pakkee and John Clemshiee, Esq., two of 
our most enterprising citizens. 

" And in this connection it is proper to state that for lightness, 
strength and economy in the cutting and working of materials, 
the building cannot be surpassed. Notwithstanding all this, it 
is supplied with an abundance of braces and su^iports to resist 
all pressures and forces, and render it perfectly safe. 

"As before stated, the building is in the form of a double 
Greek cross, the eastern nave being one hundred and eighty-nine 
feet long, the western nave one hundred and sixty feet long, and 
the transept two hundred and live feet long; height of eaves from 
floor, fourteen feet; height to apex of roofs from floor, tAventy- 
eight feet; width of naves and transept, sixty feet. 

" Immediately on entering the Bazaar, the great national booths, 
representing England, Ireland and Scotland, meet the eye. They 
are to be respectively in charge of St. George's, St. Andrews, 
and Hibernian Provident Societies, heartily supported and aided 
1)y representatives of those countries. The St. Andrews' Society, 
by reason of being the oldest organization, is honored with the 
middle or most prominent of these three great booths. We 
hazard nothing in saying that this will be principal among the 
many great features of the Bazaar. 

" To the right of the United States booth and adjoining the 
Yankee booth, a booth equal in size to those allotted to England, 
Ireland and Scotland, has been set apart by the Germans. It is 
exceedingly gratifying to know that this portion of our citizens 
are laboring with unexampled zeal, and intend to compete with 
other nationalities for the palm of superiority. Never before 
has there been such united and harmonious action amono- them, 
and we have reason to expect the greatest results. 

"To the right of the entrance is the 'Curiosity Shop,' a hall 
thirty by sixty feet, separated from the general hall l)y a dwarf 
partition. This will, undoubtedly, be. one of the greatest fea- 
tures of the Bazaar, and by many it is asserted that it Avill be 
the great point of attraction. It will contain much that is curious, 



28 mTEODUCTION. 

rare and beautiful; relics of great value and age, and, in fact, 
will be the receptacle of everything attractive and novel. The 
value of the articles to be displayed in the hall will be immense, 
and hundreds of them could not be duplicated at any price. 
This department is in charge of Robert H. Wells, Esq., who, 
assisted by James A. Hurst, Esq., the celebrated taxidermist, is 
devoting his whole time to its preparation and arrangement. 

"Next comes the Shaker booths, another very attractive fea- 
ture, to be filled with the exquisite productions of that class of 
our citizens. 

"Then conies the great United States booth, thirty by sixty 
feet, to be magnificently decorated with flags and other emblems 
of our nationality, and fitted up throughout in such a style as 
shall make it one of the great points of interest in the Bazaar. 
It is to be under the direction and supervision of Mrs. H. Pu3i- 

PELLY. 

"Adjoining is the Yankee booth, to be supplied with home 
productions, with ' plenty more of the same sort left.' It will 
be in charge of a lady who will represent the character entrusted 
to her with great faithfulness. 

" Next we have the Schenectady booth, which will be filled 
with many rare and beautiful articles, the handiwork of the ladies 
of that city, and other articles contributed by its citizens. 

" Then comes the Spanish and Japanese booths, wherein will 
be oSered for sale articles peculiar to those nationalities. 

" The six booths at the north end of the east nave have been 
allotted to our sister city, Troy, and will be placed in their espe- 
cial charge. They will be attended by ladies and gentlemen 
from that city, and stocked with goods contributed by their 
fellow citizens. We have already alluded to the earnestness of 
our neighbors, and their zealous eff'orts in behalf of the good 
work; and we are warranted in saying that unless our people 
work diligently, our Trojan brothers and sisters will eclipse them. 

" On the opposite side of the east nave are the Italian, Russian 
and Holland booths, and the booth allotted to the people of Sar- 
atoga Springs, who are working diligently and intend to make a 
splendid display. 



INTRODUCTIOISr. 29 

"At the north of east nave will be found the Indian wigwam. 
This bids fair to be one among the most attractive features of 
the Bazaar, and will be attended by ladies in regular aboriginal 
costume. The wigwam will be fitted up in a style that shall 
strictly resemble the home of the red man, and in every appoint- 
ment will be so complete as to furnish a correct idea of life 
among the original settlers of the country. 

" Here let us say that the ladies in attendance ujion the booths 
will be dressed in costumes appropriate to the nationality they 
represent, which will add to the picturesqueness and novelty of 
the scene presented. 

" The Gipsey tent, situate at the north end of the west nave, 
will be presided over by a Gipsey Queen, wearing the apparel 
of one of those singular and remarkable people. She will hold 
court during the Bazaar, and, if requested, will attempt to unveil 
the future to any anxious inquirer. Of course she will be 
favored with numerous visitors. 

"At the left of the entrance is the Swiss booth, and adjoining 
the managers' room or business office. 

"At the head of the west nave is Floral Hall, where, it is 
hoped, will be displayed some of the choicest and rarest of 
Nature's productions. 

" Adjoining it on the west is the French and Perfumery booths, 
and at the west end of the transept the great War Trophy booth, 
where will be displayed all the flags and relics now deposited in 
the Bureau of Military Statistics, as- also many other valuable 
trophies that have been contril)uted to the Bazaar. This cannot 
fail to be a most valuable and interesting feature of the Bazaar. 

" Next we have the Military booth, and adjoining it the Auto- 
graphic booth, at which will be ofiered for sale the autographs 
and photographs of all the prominent Generals in the United 
States Army, and also of many of the distinguished scientific and 
literary men of the past and present." 

On Monday evening, February 22, 1864, the fair was inaugu- 
rated under the most cheering and brilliant auspices. The great 
edifice was densely crowded, and the splendid illumination; the 
lofty arches in the decoration of which all the colors of the rain- 



30 INTRODUCTION. 

bow were blended; the tastefully arranged festoons of evergreen 
and flowers; the flags of our Union, of all sizes, which seemed 
to fill the air with the spirit of patriotism; the rows of richly 
ornamented booths, representing difterent cities and various 
nationalities; and the enthusiasm of the masses of human beings, 
swaying to and fro, made the scene one of thrilling interest and 
dazzling beauty. 

The exercises of the inauguration were opened by the singing 
of the following dedicatory Ode, written by Miss Margaret F. 
Morgan, of Albany, and set to music by Mr. H. W. A. Beale, 
organist of St. Joseph's Church: 

All hail to our country, the Land of the "West! 
The dream of the Nations, the Great and the Blest, 
The vision that came on the spice of the breeze, 
And haunted the heart of the dark Genoese — 
That rose like a temple of gold to his view, 
That hung like a star in his distance of blue. 

The sun on his journey may linger to glance 

On the mosque and the temple, the vine and the dance, 

But always returns to the haunt he loves best, 

And leaves his last smile with the Land of the "West. 

O, Sun in thy beauty, untiring like thee, 

The heart of the Westland is glowing! 
And over the continent, over the sea. 

The light of its purpose is throwing. 

Behold how its broad and beneficent ray 

Each measure and limit is scorning! 
Though dark clouds of error still lurk in the way, 

They are edged with the light of the morning. 

Come, Morning Light! 

Come, quickly come. 
Break through the night — 

Trumpet and drum 
Call in their might. 

Come, quickly come! 

Break, break the tyrant's yoke. 
Break through the battle smoke — 

Scatter the gloom! 
Let treason's wonted ire 
See in its force and fire 

Naught but its doom. 



INTRODUCTION. 31 

Break thro' the prison bars, go with a blessing, 

Shine on our captives, and bid them good cheer; 
Go where the soreness of famine is pressing. 
Tell them that bounty and largess are near; 
From mountain, vale and mart, 
Tell them the Nation's heart 
Whispers " Good cheer! " 

Though the air is stirred with combat, 

Hope with lifted fingers waits — 
Hears the bugle call of " Union! " 

Hears the homeward march of States! 

From the dim and doubting vision 

Rend the veil and show the right, 
Thro' the mists of fraud and fable 

Lead them onward, Morning Light! 

Peace will return with her chaplet of glory — 

Home from the battle field weary and worn, 
Come the brave squadrons of song and of story, 

Bearing their banners up rifted and torn! 

What have we done for thee? 

What have we won for thee? 
Surging with tumulf and sorely oppressed — 

Given our all to thee! 

Given our lives to thee! 
Given thee Liberty, Land of the West! 

Then hail to our country, the Land of the West! 

The marvel of nations, the Great and the blest! 

The green of her forests, the blue of her vales, 

Her mines and her mountains, her lakes and her sails, 

Her cotton and rice fields that stretch far away 

In saffron of sunset, or purple of day — 

All, all will we cherish with right and with might 

Till the sun shall grow dim on his voyage of light! 

From blight and from error, from woe and unrest. 

May God shield our country, the Land of the West! 

The introductory Address, which was very appropriate and 
eloquent, was delivered by the Hon. Mr. Thacher. He was fol- 
lowed by Governor Seymour, whose address contained several 
historical facts of interest. After having been enthusiastically 
received by the vast assemblage, the Governor said: 

" Upon a day sacred to the memory of our greatest and purest 



32 



INTEODUCTION. 



statesman, upon a spot made famous by historical incidents, we 
meet for a purpose which appeals to our liveliest sympathy. It 
is fit that the capital of a great State, which furnishes so large a 
share of the armies of our country, and which is so numerously 
represented amid the sick and wounded of our hospitals, and 
among the graves of our battle fields, should be prominent in 
efibrts to soften the calamities of war. Upon this occasion the 
historical events connected with this city and the adjacent towns 
are brought back to our memories. Albany is the oldest city in 
the thirteen original colonies, and, with the exception of 8t. 
Augustine, in Florida, the oldest town in our Union, for the 
earlier settlement of Jamestown, in Virginia, had ceased to exist 
as a municipality. Before the Pilgrims landed upon Plymouth 
Rock, and before the foundations of our great commercial metro- 
polis were laid at the mouth of the Hudson, a trading post was 
estal)lished at this point, and for years it was the most important 
commercial place within the limits of our State. 

"It is not to its antiquity and to its long continued identifica- 
tion with the interests of our country to which I wish to call 
your attention, but to some incidents in its history recalled by 
the occasion which draws us together. In 1690, in this month 
of February — one hundred and seventy-four years ago — there 
came a midnight cry for help from the burning town of Schenec- 
tady, and the panting messengers who came along the pathways 
leading from Albany to that city, which ran along by the very 
spot upon which we stand, and told of the massacre of its inhab- 
itants, by Indian savages and their French allies. The alarmed 
citizens of this place hurried to the protection of Fort Frederick, 
which stood on this ground; and the ancestors of many of those 
who I see before me, whose names are still familiar in your social 
circles, in your churches and in your public organizations, met 
to devise measures of relief for tlie sick, the suftl'ring, the 
wounded and the dying of a neighboring town, and to adopt 
measures for the support of those who should go out to combat 
against the savage enemies. Many of their descendants bearing 
those ancient and honorable names, meet here to-night for a 
kindi-ed purpose. 



INTRODUCTION. 33 

That >ong lapse of years, and those far removed generations, 
at this moment seem freshly linked together by this coincidence 
of place and purpose. 

" A little later, another event occurred within this city, of still 
greater significance, and still more closely connected with this 
occasion. The people of the different colonies, living under dis- 
tinct governments at the outset, were estranged from each other. 
Separated by distances which at that day were overcome with 
difficulty, made up of those of different nationalities and conflict- 
ing creeds, there was among them but little intercourse, and no 
concert of action. Alarmed by a threatened combination of 
savage tribes which menaced the safety, if not the existence of 
the colonies, they sent delegates to a convention held in this 
city. Benjajviin Franklin was its presiding ofiicer. This was 
the first distinct movement to a union among the colonies, 
looking to strength and protection from united counsels and 
combined efforts. 

" Thus All)any became the birthplace of our Union. In God's 
name, then, let it be upheld and cherished here. The first time 
that the Stars and Stripes were ever displayed upon our National 
banner — the first time that its emblems of State sovereigrnties and 
National unity were ever given to the winds of Heaven — the first 
time that that flag was ever displayed which now kindles the 
enthusiasm and patriotism of the American in whatever part 
of the world he may see it, and whose folds, in devotion to its 
sacred import, a million of men have battled within the last three 
years — that flag was first borne into the dangers of the battle 
field in the defence of this city. It was also first used to defeat 
an effort to divide the United Colonies. For the purpose of 
gaining possession of the line of the Hudson river, and the con- 
trol of Lake Champlain, the British cabinet devised a coml)ined 
movement upon this city. Its fleets were to ascend the Hudson 
— its savage allies, under St. Leger, were to come down the 
valley of the Mohawk, its disciplined armies, under Burgoyne, 
forcing their way along the upper Hudson, were to meet the 
co-operaling forces at this point, and thus sever the Eastern colo- 
nies from the rest of our country. The point to be reached by 

3 



34 INTRODUCTION. 

this great combined movement was the spot upon which we stand. 
This most formidable attemjit upon our national existence was 
defeated upon the plains of Saratoga, and the three-fold attack 
upon Albany was baffled and defeated. It was in that battle of 
Saratoga that our National flag was flrst used. If we regard then 
the o1)ject for which we are assembled , and the relationship 
which that object bears to the union of our country and its glo- 
rious flag, we And that the associations which cluster around this 
spot are all in flt keeping, and well calculated to excite our 
interest and our enthusiasm." 

After other remarks, the Governor dedicated the Bazaar in the 
following language: 

"In pursuance of the invitation of your committee, and as 
Chief Magistrate of the State, I do dedicate this edifice to the 
great purjjoses of patriotism and charity, and I offer the fervent 
prayer to Almighty God, that it may not only relieve the sick 
and w^ounded, but by its gentle influence may touch the hearts 
of those in rebellion; that it may aid in bringing back peace to 
our land, restoring our Union, giving new life and vigor to the 
government of our fathers, and making us again a great, united, 
prosperous and happy people." 

This address was followed by a Poem, by Alfred B. Street, 

Esq., which was distinguished for great delicacy of thought, 

beauty of expression and fervid patriotism. The following is 

the poet's allusion to love of country: 

Spirit benign, oh, love of native land! 
For thee, the sword leaps flashing to the hand; 
For thee, long death is one brief smile of joy, 
And loftiest thoughts their loftiest powers employ. 
What though stern Winter chains the crouching clime, 
Warm glows the bosom in thy fire sublime ; 
Soft luxury's slave that sleeps amid his flowers, 
Leaps to the foe and battles through his bowers; 
Age for thy sake will cast his crutch aside; 
Youth for thy love renounce his new-made bride; 
The widow's heart unloose the boy, to dare 
"War's flaming thunders hurtling through the air; 
All round thy heavens thou sweepest fondest glance, 
Holy thou boldest all thy earth's expanse, 
Daunting the despot, fain to see unfurled 



INTRODUCTION. 35 

His crimsoned banner o'er a conquered world, 

Leaving glad Peace to plant the harvest gold, 

Rear his loud roofs, the sea's wide stores unfold, 

Lead civilization in its grand emprise, 

And raise man's nature to his native skies. 

Thus, through the North the thundering shout arose, 

Life to our land, destruction to our foes. 

Lift the starred banner — bare the battle brand ! 

Death to our foes, but life to native land ! 

Then, as the tempest bursting on the hills. 

Turns to wild torrents all the trickling rills. 

So as the tumult throbbed o'er hill and plain, 

Leaped the live floods, and roaring, swept amain, 

Up, with one bound, New England towered on high, 

Loud to the heavens New York launched mightiest cry, 

The Keystone's bayonet glittered on the air, 

Broad to the fight the Buckeye's breast stood bare, 

And the whole grand unconquerable West, 

Quick to the van, in war's wild frenzy prest, 

While as the strong wind rattles through the trees, 

The burst of banners ladened every breeze. 

The closing Hues of the poem are as follows: 

Oh long did our Eagle stand chained to his rock ! 

But at last with a wing-burst of thunder-like shock — 

Red bolts in his talons, red wrath in his glare, 

And death in his wild shriek, he sprang to the air; 

Ne'er back for a moment that pinion he drew, 

But onward, right onward, right onward he flew ! 

One bolt shone at Shiloh, at Donelson one, 

And one made grand Gettysburg flash as the sun; 

While the last lightning launched from his terrible quiver 

Made Lookout a beacon of glory forever. 

Each region wherever he sweeps is his own, 

And straightway from out its foul shade it has shone — 

Shone out with its freedom of tongue, pen and press, 

Those earth-stars that shine for our race but to bless; 

And ne'er shall he pause, till, proud downward he swings, 

To slake in the Gulf his free triumph-clad wings, 

And loud alleluias shout wide as the blast, 

That the day of true glory hath risen at last. 

And now, in a vision prophetic the eye 

Views earth and air glowing in magical dye. 

The sunset of time ! earth's millennial light — 

See. what is that grand, golden shape on the sight — 

Our Nation, with Time in Companionship's link, 

And reaching together eternity's brink. 



36- INTEODUCTION. 

The Bazaar having been opened, all our citizens entered into 
its plans and purposes with the utmost enthusiasm. Every 
department was supplied with cheerful laborers, and those who 
could not give their personal services, freely contributed money 
to aid the enterprise. Col. Frank Chamberlain, Henry T. 
BuELL, Esq., Charles B. Redfield, Esq., and others, called upon 
our wealthy citizens and were universally received with great 
cordiality. Every one was ready to suljscribe. Many of the 
rich save out of their abundance: and those of limited means 
showed their patriotism by a noble generosity. 

Mr. BuELL states that probably no enterprise ever so fully 
enlisted the interest of all classes of the citizens of Albany and 
the neighboring towns as this Great Sanitary Fair. Social dis- 
tinctions, denominational feelings and party prejudices were 
forgotten in the general and intense desire to sustain and comfort 
the noble men who had left their homes to fight for liberty and 
the Union. 

Among our German population, Mr. Arthur Botts did admi- 
rable service in collecting money. 

J. H. Van Antwerp, Esq., was also very active in making col- 
lections; and Mr. Cantine Tremper and Mr. Cuyler, editor of 
the Albany Express, devoted much time to receiving money at 
the Bazaar. 

To Chauncey p. Williams, Esq., treasurer of the Bazaar, and 
to John Tayler Hall, Esq., secretary, our whole community 
owe a debt of the deepest gratitude. These gentlemen were 
untirino- in their efforts to make the Bazaar a glorious success. 

How fully the highest expectations, in regard to this grand 
enterprise, were realized, is well known to all our citizens. 
Everything that skill, forethought, a persistent loyalty and pure 
benevolence could do, was done to render the whole afiair a com- 
plete success. 

The amount received from all sources into the treasury was 
one hundred and eleven thousand, four hundred and ninety-three 
dollars and forty-nine cents. The amount expended was twenty- 
nine thousand, five hundred and eighty-four dollars and ninety- 



INTRODUCTION. 37 

nine cents, leaving a balance, which was paid over to the treasury 
of the U. S. Sanitary Commission, of eighty-one thousand, nine 
hundred and eight dollars and fifty cents. 

For pecuniary success in proportion to the population engaged 
in this enterprise, for executive ability in carrying out its plans, 
and for artistic effect, this fair was surpassed by no other within 
the limits of the United States. 

THE U. S. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION. 

Besides the U. S. Sanitary Commission, the U. S. Christian 
Commission received the cordial co-operation of the citizens of 
Albany. This commission had its origin in a convention of 
Young Men's Christian Associations, held in the city of New 
York on the sixteenth of November, 1861. Twelve gentlemen, 
from eight different States, were appointed as the first members 
of the commission. The object proposed, was to promote the 
spiritual and temporal welfare of the officers and men of the 
U. S. Army and Navy, in co-operation with chaplains and others. 
At the fourth and last anniversary, held in the city of Wash- 
ington on the evening of the 11th ultimo, the following summary 
of receipts for the four years of its existence was submitted by 
George H. Stuart, Esq., President: In 1862, $231,256.29; in 
1863, $916,837.65; in 1864, $2,882,347.86; in four months of 
1865, $2,234,165.88;— making a total of $6,264,607.67. 

Owing to various causes, the Albany branch of the Christian 
Commission was not organized until the first of April, 1864. As 
its plans of operation became known, a desire was felt to aid in 
its work of ministering to the spiritual, as well as temporal inter- 
ests of the soldiers. Accordingly, in March, 1864, a public 
meeting was held under the direction of the Albany Young Men's 
Christian Association, and appeals were made for funds, to which 
there was a liberal response. Soon after, a meeting was called 
at the rooms of the Board of Trade, and as the result, the Albany 
branch of the Christian Commission was formed, with the foUoAv- 
ing oflficers: Thomas W. Olcott, President; John F. Eathbone, 



38 INTRODUCTION. 

Vice President; Levi Dedrick, Secretary; Williajvi McElroy, 
Treasurer. 

The new organization awakened, at once, a great interest, and 
the pastors of our churches, and the members of all denomina- 
tions, came forward to aid in giving success to the enterprise. 
The labors of the treasurer, Wm. McElroy, Esq., soon became 
very onerous, but he performed them with a cheerfulness and 
patriotic ardor, worthy of all praise. He achieved from week to 
week and month to month a great amount of work, which never 
met the public eye, but for which he will receive his reward. 
The amount that he received from April 1, 1864, to January 1, 
1866, was $23,740.20. With the exception of $584.39, expended 
for the benefit of the soldiers in our own hospital and barracks, 
these funds were all sent to the central office of the Commission 
in Pliiladelphia. 

Besides the contribution of money, a great amount of provi- 
sions and delicacies for the soldiers was collected; also hymn 
books, knapsack books and other reading matter were transmitted 
to the parent society. The good accomplished by these patriotic 
and christian efforts, eternity alone can reveal. In the operations 
of this association, as well as in that which acted through the 
Sanitary Commission, the ladies of Albany took a very efficient 
part, and sewing circles were formed in some of our churches, 
whose contributions served to greatly increase the comforts of 
our suffering soldiers. 

At the request of the officers of the Young Men's Christian 
Association, a large tent was procured from Philadelphia to be 
used at the barracks for religious services. This measure was 
attended with great success. The meetings were arranged by 
John E. Page, Esq., President of the Young Men's Christian 
Association, and the clergymen of the city preached on Sabbath 
afternoons; and the young men held prayer meetings once or 
twice during the week. Many of the soldiers were greatly bene- 
fited by these meetings, and some were led to give their hearts 
to Christ. Most interesting letters have been received from offi- 
cers and private soldiers, by Mr. Page, expressing their deep 
gratitude to him for the interest that he had manifested in their 



INTRODUCTION. 39 

spiritual welfare. Religious meetings Avere also held at the hos- 
pital in connection with the services of the chaplain; and since 
the estal)lishment of the Home for Disabled Soldiers, Mr. Page, 
S. R. Gray, Esq., and their associates, have been indefatigable in 
their eflbrts to provide for the spiritual wants of the inmates of 
that institution. 

It should also be stated that with the Albany Young Men's 
Christian Association originated the idea of preparing and send- 
ing to the soldiers the "little house wives," that is, small bags 
filled with needles, thread, pins, &c., which proved of so much 
value. Besides being expressions of the home interest felt for 
those who were far away, the tens of thousands of tracts and 
little books that accompanied them were the means of great use- 
fulness. 

soldiers' refreshment committee. 

This committee was appointed to attend to the wants of regi- 
ments returning to and passing through the city; and the follow- 
ing report of their services is furnished by Wm. H. Van Antm-erp, 
Esq., chairman of the refreshment committee: 

Regiments and Number of Men Fed. 

Date. Regiment. No. of Men. 

June 18—1 18th Regiment N. Y. S. V 334 

u 18— 117th Regiment N. Y. S. V 361 

u 19— 142d Regiment N. Y. S. V 438 

«< 20— 7th Heavy Artillery 219 

" 21 — Prisoners from Camp Tyler, Texas 8 

u 22— 77th Rejriment N. Y. S. V 95 

u 25— 106th Regiment N. Y. S. V 405 

u 26— 10th Regiment Vermont S. V 321 

" 26— 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery 120 

u 27— 115th Regiment N. Y. S. V 267 

u 28— 3d N. Y. Light Artillery 335 

a 28— 7th Ohio Cavalry 59 

" 28— 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery 973 

" 28— 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery 329 

" 28—1 1th Vermont Artillery , 6 

u 28— 12 1st Regiment N. Y. S. V. 328 

u 29— 106th Reffiment N. Y. S. V _ 107 

u 29— 6th Vermmit S. V 280 

« 30— 3d N. Y. Light Artillery, Battery M 201 



40 INTRODUCTION. 

Date. Regiment. No. of Men. 

June 30— 3d N. Y. Lio-ht Artillery, Batteries I and C- . . 195 

July 1— 144th Regiment N. Y. 8. V 890 

- l_43d Regiment N. Y. S. V. 147 

" 1— 77th Reoiment N. Y. S. V 189 

2— 3d N. Yt Li^ht Artillery 362 

u 3_93d Regiment N. Y. S. V 287 

u 5_3tl N. Y. Light Artillery, Battery K. 177 

u 7— 91st N. Y. 8. V 537 

" 8— 175th Regiment N. Y. S. V 89 

» 13— 18th Battery N. Y. 8. V 111 

u i6_152d Regiment N. Y. 8. V 240 

" 19— 2d Vermont Light Artillery... 227 

" 19— 12th Massachusetts Light Artillery 125 

' ' 20— 7th N. Y. Independent" Battery 117 

<' 21— 25th N. Y. Independent Battery _ . . 99 

u 21— 157th Regiment N. Y. 8. V 382 

u 21— 128th Regiment N. Y. 8. V. ..- 461 

" 21— 60th Regiment N. Y. 8. V 403 

' ' 28 — 2d Regiment Hancock's Corps 217 

u 24— 94th Regiment N. Y. 8. V. - 257 

Aug. 4— 7th New York Heavy Artillery 233 

" 5— 20th N. Y. Cavalry 730 

u 25— 110th Regiment N. Y. 8. V 522 

Sept. 1— 3d Regiment N. Y. 8. V. 460 

2— 100th Regiment N. Y. 8. V 451 

" 2— 192d Regiment N. Y. 8. V 387 

" 2— 81st Regiment N. Y. 8. V 304 

«' 2— 98th Regiment N. Y. 8. v.. _ 181 

u 18— 75th Regiment N. Y. 8. V 334 

Oct. 3—1 1th New York Cavalry _ 302 

" 12— 153d Regiment N. Y. 8. V - 377 

Sick men sent from Provost Marshal's office at different 

dates ._ 36 

Nov. 24— 2d New York Veteran Cavalry 447 

Dec. 3 — 4th New York Provisional Cavalry 640 

1866, Jan. 20— 193d Regiment N. Y. 8. V 607 



Total.. 16,709 



Wm. H. Van Antwerp, 
Chairman of Refreshment Committee. 

The committee expended in this department over seven thou- 
sand six hundred dollars; and their kind deeds were duly appre- 
ciated by the noble men who were the recipients of their bounty. 



INTRODUCTION. 41 

THE MEDIC^VL DEPARTMENT. 

In the medical department, the action of the government was 
very prompt and efTcctive in this State as well as in other parts 
of our country. His Excellency, Governor Morgan, appointed at 
the commencement of the war Dr. S. Oakley Vanderpoel, of 
Albany, Surgeon General of the State of New York. Previous 
to this time this position had been simply complimentary, but 
now it was attended with great responsibilities and arduous 
duties. To this office, however, Dr. Vanderpoel brought not 
only a high reputation for skill and experience in his profession, 
but great personal energy and efficiency. The bureau was organ- 
ized in the best manner to secure the welfare of the soldiers and 
the honor of the State, and to add to the effective force of the 
army. The surgeons and their assistants were selected with great 
care, and minute instructions were given to the inspectors of 
recruits that only suitable men should be received into the ser- 
vice of the government. On the eighth of January, 1862, Dr. 
Vanderpoel made his first report to the Governor of the State, 
which was afterwards transmitted to the Assembly, in which he 
gives the details of the duties performed in the various depart- 
ments of the medical bureau. His second report was transmitted 
to the Legislature January 27th, 1863, in which he makes the 
following interesting statements: 

"The past year has been one of memorable interest in the 
medical department. 

"During that period the effective force of troops from this 
State has been doubled, while the medical staff has been nearly 
trebled, numbering now five hundred and eighty-four. Within 
that period they have been subjected to every vicissitude of cli- 
mate, to every privation and fatigue — these, too, in the poisonous 
malaria and the deathly miasm arising from tropical heats. 

"Even now, bodies of troops from this State are stationed at 
every principal post — New Orleans, Pensacola, Key West, Hil- 
ton Head, Newbern, Fortress Monroe — while the army of the 
Potomac and the defences about Washington and Baltimore have 
each large detachments. 



42 INTRODUCTION. 

"It is unnecessary to enumerate the fearful conflicts in which 
they have been engaged, or allude to the scenes of woe and suf- 
fering through which their duties peculiarly called them to move. 
It is enough to say that wherever carnage was the thickest, the 
ministering hand of the surgeon has been near, caring as rapidly 
as possible for the wounded." 

' In the same report the Doctor alludes to a corps of volunteer 
surgeons, organized in accordance with his own suggestions. He 
says: 

" Simultaneously with the measures taken to assume the charge 
of the sick and wounded, a movement was initiated to organize a 
corps of Volunteer Surgeons, who should hold themselves in readi- 
ness, whenever a great emergency occurred, to proceed to the 
vicinity of the field of battle and render gratuitous service to the 
wounded. The necessity calling for such an organization was 
obvious. 

"Previous to the passage by Congress of the law of July last, 
authorizing the appointment of an additional assistant surgeon to 
each regiment, the medical staff was totally inadequate to fulfill 
even the demands of ordinary service, from the necessary details 
made for transportation, hospital service, and those who for any 
cause were unfit for duty. This inadequacy would be painfully 
and heart-rendingly felt by the whole people should a large 
engagement occur. Impressed by this idea, and after consulta- 
tion with some of the first medical men of the State, I addressed 
your Excellency, on the thirtieth of March, the communication 
marked ' A ' in the appendix.* Tliis was promptly and strongly 
endorsed by yourself, and forwarded at once to Mr. Stanton, 
Secretary of War. His replies will be found in appendix 'B' 
and 'C* 

"From these replies, so favorable and commendatory, resulted 
the immediate organization of this corps, the names of whom are 
marked ' D ' in the appendix. 

A glance at the names comprising the list will readily assure 
confidence as to the character of the gentlemen composing it. It 

* See Report, January, 1863. 



INTRODUCTION. 43 

is not presumptuous to say that it would be impossible to find 
on this side of the Atlantic, nor inded upon the other, an equal 
array combining so much talent, skill and acquirements in their 
profession. 

"I should do injustice to a large number of noble medical men 
throughout the State, who, though not formally recognized of 
this body, promptly repaired to the peninsula and labored most 
assiduously and faithfully. They waited for no official recogni- 
tion, but in the true spirit of philanthropy ministered in their 
respective fields of labor. It would be gratifying to enumerate 
their names, but from their number, and the reason that only a 
few made the fact known to me, renders such an effort impossible. 
They enjoy a richer reward than public plaudits, in the quiet 
consciousness of a well performed duty, and the heart-felt thanks 
and prayers of the suffering sick and wounded alleviated through 
their unostentatious ministrations. 

" The recital of the labors of this whole corps of volunteer 
surgeons, would form one of the noblest episodes of the many 
noble which this war has, brought forth; would serve to illus- 
trate that heaven-derived mission of the profession, the prompt, 
unselfish, intelligent relief of suffering humanity." 

In 1863 Dr. Vandeepoel was succeeded in the position of Sur- 
geon General for the State of New York by Dr. J. V. P. Quack- 
ENBUSH, of Albany, who was also a gentlemen of the highest 
personal and professional qualifications. 

His first annual report was transmitted to the Legislature Feb- 
ruary 19th, 1864. During the preceding year Dr. Quackenbush 
had appointed two hundred and nineteen surgeons and assistant 
surgeons in the places of those who had been promoted, or mus- 
tered out or dismissed, or who had resigned. Besides faithfully 
attending to his home duties, he visited the battle field and the 
hospitals in the vicinity of other cities. Of these visits he gives 
the following account, addressed to his Excellency, Horatio 
Seymour, Governor and Commander-in-Chief : 

"By your direction I proceeded to Washington, and there 
received from the War Department ample facilities to visit the 



44 INTRODUCTION. 

battle field and all the hospitals in the vicinity of Washington, 
Baltimore and Philadelphia. 

"I visited these hospitals and saw very many of our own sol- 
diers, who were much gratified, and expressed their thanks that 
you had sent a person from Ncav York to look after them and 
bring them a word of good cheer from their own State, This to 
me was a pleasant duty, and when I saw their wan and painful 
countenances lighted up by the words of one who came from 
their own homes, I felt thankful that I could thus, though in a 
feeble manner, minister to the happiness of those who had sufiered 
so much in the service of their country, 

"After visiting the hospitals in Baltimore, I proceeded to the 
field of the last battle; but how different was the scene which a 
few short days had made. Our victorious army had left the 
hills which encompassed Gettysburg. The blast of the bugle 
no lono;er was heard. The echo of the loud-mouthed cannon had 
died away, and naught but the sorrow and misery of war now 
remained. The sick, the wounded, the dying were on every 
side; the long aisles of graves stretched along every camp; the 
unburied dead lay prone upon the ground, their lifeless, blood- 
less, soulless eyes directed to the mid-day sun. The battle was 
ended ! A saddening and sorrowful sight was presented on every 
side. Each army corps had its separate hospital, and the sur- 
geon and his assistants were constantly engaged in the rude shel- 
ter camp and at the operating table. All that humanity could 
suggest and skill invent and execute was done, but the machinery 
of war had been set in motion and the wrecks of mankind lay 
scattered around. 

" While on the field of the late battle, I saw many surgeons 
from our own State, who, by their labor, were honoring the com- 
missions you gave them. Some of these have since died from 
disease contracted at that time. Others, too, on distant fields 
of duty, have sacrificed their lives in the cause of their country, 
nobly vindicating the exalted character of the profession they 
represented. Perhaps at no period during the war have our sur- 
geons been taxed so severely as at Gettysburg. They worked 
bravely and nobly, and Avhile I would award all praise to all the 



INTRODUCTION. 45 

surgeons who were left in charge of the sick at this place, my 
natural State pride will not allow me to suppress the fact that 
no hospital, in its appearance of cleanliness, general arrangement 
or abundance of supplies, surpassed those which were allotted to 
and managed by the surgeons from the State of New York. 

"In passing from one hospital to another, the same sad effects 
of the battle were seen; but while inhumanity showed her bloody 
trophies, humanity showed her nobler views, and those twin sis- 
ters of charity, the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, were in 
every camp, pouring their healing balm into those wounds which 
cruel war had so ruthlessly laid open. These charities opened 
wide their hands, and the soldiers keenly appreciated the bless- 
ings which were there dispensed. New York should thank these 
noble institutions, which then and there so deeply benefited the 
New York soldier. 

" After leaving the field of battle and its vicinity, I visited the 
army at Antietam, and at Gen. Meade's headquarters I met Brig. 
Gen. Wm. A. Hammond, Surgeon General U. S. A., and person- 
ally oftered to him the services of the surgeons of this State, 
which I felt authorized in doing, as so many had already volun- 
teered to go to the aid of the regular surgeons of the army. This 
offer was frankly accepted, with the assurance that they should 
be among the first called upon." 

And a call was made that same month, under date of July 
27, 1863, by Dr. Jos. R. Smith, Surgeon of the U. S. Army, 
which was promptly and cheerfully responded to by Dr. Quack- 

ENBUSH. 

In the Doctor's second annual report, submitted to the Legis- 
lature February 28th, 1865, he shows the condition of the medical 
staff of the army from this State, the number of surgeons who 
have been appointed since the commencement of the rebellion, 
the number who have been appointed the preceding year, with 
the number who have died, and the general duties incumbent 
upon and discharged by this bureau. He says: 

" Since the commencement of the war, there have been two 
hundred and forty volunteer regiments from this State in the 
national army, and the first duty of this bureau has been to keep 



46 INTRODUCTION. 

these regiments supplied with their full complement of medical 
officers. To each reg-iment are assig-ned one surgeon and two 
assistant surgeons, and these officers are commissioned by the 
Governor upon the recommendations issued from this bureau." 

He gives in the report a list of the surgeons and assistant sur- 
geons appointed in the New York regiments from April 15, 1861, 
to December 31, 1864, with the rank of each, and the regiment 
to which he belonged. The whole number commissioned was 
twelve hundred and eighty-two. 

Of the corps of volunteer surgeons. Dr. Quackenbush thus 
speaks: 

"This corps was called upon in May last, immediately after 
the battles of the Wilderness, and in response to a telegram 
received Sunday morning, May 7th, fourteen surgeons started 
without delay for the scene of action. Indeed, within eight 
hours after the reception of the telegram, some from this city 
and Troy left for the army, and they met in New York city a 
number of others, with whom they went to Washington, and 
having reported to Surgeon General Barnes, were immediately 
assigned to duty in Fredericksburg and its vicinity. These 
gentlemen, whose names will be found in Schedule F, rendered 
very valuable and timely service, and I would now, sir, in your 
name, under whose commission the}^ served, thank them for the 
aid and attention which they rendered to the sick and wounded 
soldiers of the National army, after the bloody battles of the 
Wilderness. The general who commands an army and wins his 
battle, receives the thanks of Congress, and it is right. The 
colonel who gallantly leads his regiment and performs his share 
of duty in the general engagements, meets and receives the com- 
mendation of his superiors. The lieutenant who seized the 
standard of his company, and urges on his faltering men in the 
face of imminent danger, looks for and receives promotion. Thus 
each and every officer has his stimulus and meets his reward. 
How is it with the volunteer surgeon of the State of New York! 
His duty is performed in the hospital or on the field among the 
sick and dying. The sound of the clarion or the music of the 
drum meets not his ear. The voice of distress calls him to duty, 



INTRODUCTION. 47 

and the consciousness of having performed that duty well is his 
ambition and his reward. The testimony coming from the sick 
and wounded, and the evidence rendered by those competent to 
judge, has satisfied this bureau that the volunteer surgeon of 
New York has done his duty faithfully, and the proud conscious- 
ness of this must be his life-long reward." 

Dr. QuACKENBUSH was succeeded by Dr. Sylvester D. Wil- 
LARD, and Dr. Willard by Dr. Jajmes E. Pomfret, who were 
both appointed by his Excellency Governor Fenton. 

As a proof of the wide extent of the medical department of 
our army, I would add, in this connection, the following state- 
ments made by Joseph K. Barnes, Surgeon General of the 
U. S. Army, to the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, in 
his report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1865. The dis- 
bursements for that year for medical and hospital supplies; for 
the pay of private physicians, hospital employes, &c., amounted 
to nineteen millions, three hundred and twenty-eight thousand, 
four hundred and ninety-nine dollars and twenty-three cents. 

The whole number of general hospitals established since the 
commencement of the war was two hundred and four, with a 
capacity of one hundred and thirty-six thousand, eight hundred 
and ninety-four beds. From April, 1861, to June, 1865, there 
had been appointed five hundred and forty-seven surgeons and 
assistant surgeons of volunteers; mustered into service, two thou- 
sand one hundred and nine volunteer regimental surgeons, and 
three thousand eight hundred and eighty-two volunteer regi- 
mental assistant surgeons; employed as acting staff surgeons, 
seventy-five; as acting assistant surgeons, five thousand five hun- 
dred and thirty-two. The returns of sick and wounded show, 
that of white troops, one million, fifty-seven thousand, four hun- 
dred and twenty-three cases have been treated in the general 
hospitals alone, from 1861 to July 1, 1865, of which the mor- 
tality rate was eight per cent. 

Gen. Barnes, at the close of his report, bears testimony to the 
zeal and efficiency of the officers of the medical department, upon all 
occasions. He says: " With hardly an exception, they have been 
actuated by the highest motives of national and professional pride, 



48 INTRODUCTION. 

and the number who have been killed and wounded bears most 
honorable testimony to their devotion to duty on the held of liattle," 

But without dwelling longer upon these general operations of 
this department, we would speak of the care extended to the 
sick and wounded soldiers in the city of Albany. 

In April, 1861, the hvk-k edifice known as the "Industrial 
School Building," was occupied by the soldiers; and extensive 
wooden structures were erected around it, the whole constituting 
" The Barracks." Seven reg^iments of New York State volun- 
teers were organized, equipped and sent to the field from this 
post, during three or four months. At that time, Dr. J^vjies H. 
Armsby, of Albany, was the surgeon in charge of this post, and 
of the various temporary depots in the city; and he brought to 
his work great patriotic ardor, and a high degree of medical and 
surgical skill, gained in a long professional experience. 

In 1862, "The Barracks" were opened as a post hospital, and 
five hundred and fifty-five sick and wounded soldiers were re- 
ceived. They were attended by most of the physicians of the 
city, who kindly volunteered their services. In 1863, five hun- 
dred were admitted and treated, and in 1864, nine hundred and 
fifty-seven were received. 

In the fall of 1864, it w^as made a U. S. General Hospital, and 
was placed under the care of Dr. Mason F. Cogswell. Dr. 
Cogswell was removed from this position, and from his wide 
sphere of usefulness in our city, by death, and in February, 1865, 
Dr. J. H. Arimsby was appointed his successor. At that time the 
hospital received the name of the "Ira Harris U. S. General 
Hospital," after our distinguished U. S. Senator from the State 
of New York. 

During the year 1865, one thousand, one hundred and twenty- 
five patients were admitted and received medical and surgical 
treatment, nine hundred of whom were in the hospital at one 
time in the month of July. Besides faithfully discharging the 
duties of physician and surgeon. Dr. Arivisby did all in his power 
to promote the comfort and happiness of the soldiers, by pro- 
viding them with pleasant rooms and suitable reading matter, 
and interesting our citizens in their personal welfare. 



INTRODUCTION. 49 

MISCELLANEOUS PATRIOTIC DEEDS. 

Under this head it would be impossible, within the limits of 
this introductory chapter, even to allude to the many patriotic 
deeds performed by our citizens. Besides those that arc presented 
in the foregoing pages, we can only refer to a few: 

Prominent among these was the patriotic generosity of our emi- 
nent sculptor. Palmer. In 1861 he gave, for the benetit of the 
Soldiers' Fund, one of his best works in marble; and afterwards he 
placed in the hands of Dr. Armsby four of his most recent and valu- 
able pieces of statuary, for the same purpose. More than $2,500 
were realized from this contribution. At the time our great fair 
was held, he suspended his works, fitted up his studio for a pic- 
ture gallery, and collected from among his friends a large number 
of rare and beautiful pictures, which were placed on exhibition 
for the benefit of the fair. Most of our city artists contributed 
pictures as gifts, and more than $1,200 were realized from the 
exhibition. Our j^hotographic artists and picture dealers also 
contributed liberally for the benefit of the soldiers. 

Many of our ladies, too, were untiring in their efforts to alle- 
viate the sutferings of the sick and wounded. They watched 
over them, anticipating their wants, and in every way contributing 
to their temporal and spiritual welfare. 

All classes of our citizens seemed to vie with each other in 
efforts to cheer and benefit the soldier, and sustain the govern- 
ment in crushing the rebellion. Many who were unable to enter 
the battle field themselves voluntarily sent substitutes to repre- 
sent their patriotic ardor. Among these we would mention the 
case of Isaac W. Vosburgh, Esq., who employed and equipped 
one soldier for each member of his family during the war. Thus 
he furnished seven members of the American army, representing 
himself, his wife and five children. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer was one of the most liberal of 
our citizens in his contributions in aid of the war. We hear from 
a citizen of the seventh ward that he contributed enough money 
to obtain thirty recruits for that ward; and we also learn from 
another quarter that he has contributed $1,000 to the war fund 

4 



50 INTRODUCTION. 

ill the town of Watorvliet. We presume he gave more in other 
directions, for he is constantly giving in hirge sums for patriotic 
and ])eiievolent purposes. 

Too much praise cannot l)e awarded to the editors and pul)- 
lishers of our daily papers for their readiness at all times to aid 
in tlie great cause, which enlisted the sympathies and efforts of 
our citizens. In one of the annual reports of the Al])any Army 
Relief Association, this aid is gratefully acknowledged. 

Equally were they ready to help every other association and 
every plan which contemplated the good of the soldier or the 
welfare of the nation. 

To our railroad, steamboat and express companies the commu- 
nity are indebted for innumerable favors that helped to advance 
the general cause. 

• THE BUREAU OF MILITARY RECORD. 

The Bureau of Military Eecord was established by Governor 
Morgan in December, 1862, and has been sanctioned aii*d sus- 
tained by the Legislature of the State. Its objects arc to collect 
and preserve the records of the war, embracing an account of the 
action of cities, towns and counties in raising volunteers, and 
contributing in various ways to the support of the army; of the 
organization and services of regiments, with the preservation of 
their flags; and the collection of the biographies of officers and 
men engaged in the service, and of all printed documents per- 
taining to the war. 

Already great success has attended the efibrts of the bureau, 
and no less than five hundred flags have been received from the 
regiments that have l:)een raised in our State. Biographies of 
many officers and men have also lieen collected, and tlie plan is 
now being carried out of thoroughly canvassing the entire State, 
for obtainino; statistical information in reg^ard to all the officers 
and soldiers who have been connected with our army. 

The Legislature of 1865 instructed the bureau, in addition to 
its other duties, to collect and preserve " a record of the part 
taken hv seamen from this State, in the naval service, since the 



-INTEODUCTION. 5 1 

beginning of the war; " and also to procure "a detailed account 
of the treatment of Union soldiers from this State in rel)el 
prisons, and a record of the deaths in said prisons, and other 
pertinent facts connected with such imprisonment." In accord- 
ance with this order, measures have been adopted to obtain the 
desired information. 

In connection with the bureau, there is a valual)le nuiseum of 
articles of military interest, gathered from l^attle fields, forts, 
besieged cities and other localities. 

To preserve these records and materials, as well as others that 
may be collected, the Legislature have passed an act, which it is 
believed will result in the erection of a lire-proof building, to be 
called the Hall of Military Record. The Chief of this bureau is 
Col. LocKAVOOD L. Doty, a gentleman eminently fitted for his 
position by his courteous manners, his extensive military know- 
ledge, and his pure patriotism. 

CONCLUDING KEMARKS. 

In the preparation of the following sketches, it has been our 
aim to present a clear and truthful narrative of each of the 
departed heroes of our city and county, based upon the most 
reliable information that could be obtained concerniuir them. In 
the length of the sketches we have, of course, been governed hy 
the amount of the materials with which we have been furnished 
by surviving relatives and friends. Many officers and soldiers 
are briefly noticed (who deserve a more extended tribute), 
because of our inability to obtain any more fixcts in relation to 
them than those which are given. 

A list of those whose names only, with a few historic dates, 
we have been able to obtain, will be found at the close of this 
volume. 

Besides the articles contributed by the relatives or friends of 
the deceased, whose names are given, there are some others pre- 
sented, with slight alterations, in the language in w^hich they 
were furnished. 

In the extracts given from journals and letters, I have taken 



52 



INTRODUCTION. 



the liberty of making slight changes in the language used, where 
they would add to the clearness of the thought, or to the gram- 
matical structure of the sentence employed by the writer. 

The whole volume is now sent forth to meet the demands of 
every heart that is inspired with gratitude towards these patriot 
martyrs. It is also sent forth that it may j^erpetuate the memory 
of the achievements of these noble men, while the American 
Eepublic, with its just laws and free institutions, shall have an 
existence among the nations of the earth. 

E. W. C. 

Albany, October, 1866. 




Jail 

coui>n Y or albany. 





'^■'lara.ved 'by J.C.ButO-e 



^. ^. 



<^ 



-MAJ/GEN, 0_M. M]TCH}';L, 



I. 

MAJ. GEN. ORMSBY MACKNIGHT MITCHEL. 

"We commence our sketches of the ilhistrioiis dead, with a 
name distinguished for scientihc culture, earnest patriotism, 
tender humanity and devoted piety. Rarely do so many intel- 
lectual gifts and Christian virtues meet in the same person, as 
edorn the character of Gen. Mitchel. His mind moved amono; 
the stars, and caught their brilliancy. His thoughts partook of 
the harmou}^ and grandeur of the worlds and systems that he 
explored. His character was pure, his sentiments generous and 
lofty, and his love of country was second only to his love of God. 
Before the war, his discov-eries and contributions to astronomical 
science had rendered him eminent as an American scholar. His 
popular lectures made him a favorite with all, and inspired hiy 
hearers with a love for the l)eauties and sublimities of astronomy, 
and with adoration for the Creator and his marvelous works. 

The parents of our hero resided, before his birth, in Virginia. 
His father was a man of no ordinary intelligence and enterprise, 
and had a decided taste for mathematical pursuits. His mother 
was a woman of pleasing address, superior mental attainments, 
and earnest piety. Mr. Mitchel having lost his property, moved 
west, and located in Union county, Kentucky. There he erected 
a rude hal)itation, and on the 28th of August, 1810, his son, 
Ormsby Macknight Mitchel, was born. When the child was 
three years of age, his father was called away by death, and the 
orphan boy was left to struggle with the obstacles a7id difficulties 
that early beset his path. The famil}^, in their deep affliction, 
moved immediately to Ohio, with the hope of adding to their 
means of support, and settled in the town of Miama. Ormsby 
was sent to school, and so rapidly did he advance in his studies, 



54 IVLAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 

that in some branches he soon surpassed his country teachers. 
At the age of twelve years he had mastered the Latin and Greek 
languages, acquired the elements of mathematics, and gained 
considerable knowledge in other departments. For the want of 
means to continue his studies, he entered a store as clerk. But 
the dull routine of the duties in a country store did not satisfy 
his ardent and aspiring nature. On removing to Lebanon, 
Warren comity, he formed the purpose to gain admission, if 
possil)le, to the military academy at West Point. Through the 
influence of friends he was successful in gaining the appointment. 
To one who said to him: We have had many of our boys go to 
West Point, but few of them get through;" Oemsby, with calm 
self-reliance, replied: '' I shall go through, sir^ 

The journey, at that time, from Ohio to West Point, was 
attended with many difficulties, and especially for a lad without 
money or friends to aid him. But our young hero pushed his 
way through the wilderness, sometimes on foot, sometimes on 
horseliack, and at last upon the canal boat, that brought him to 
Albany on Saturday night. Having previously determined to 
live a Christian life, and to obey all God's commands, he rested 
on the Sabbath, and was entertained by his relatives. On 
Monday he went to West Point, and arrived there w^ith his knap- 
sack on his back and twenty-five cents in his pocket. Instead 
of property and worldly advantages,' he commenced his career, 
equipped with personal energy, an honorable ambition, and firm 
Christian principles. Possessing these elements of character, he 
had the very best armor, for a youth, with which to fight the 
battles of life, and win the most valuable prizes. 

On the 23d of June, 1825, he was, after a satisfactory exami- 
nation, admitted to the military academy, being then not fifteen 
years of age. Tlie law required that candidates should be a 
year older, but, as a special favor, it was in his case suspended. 
At once he devoted himself to study with great diligence, perse- 
verance and success. Among his associates in the academy were 
several of the generals who have distinguished themselves in the 
late wai-, lioth in our own aud in the rebel service. Among the 
hitter were Jefferson Dams, Eobt. E. Lee and Joseph Johnson. 



MAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 55 

In 1829, cadet Mitchel graduated with honor, and so high 
was the estimate placed upon his talents and chai'acter, that he 
was very soon appointed assistant professor of mathematics in 
the academy. This position he held tAvo years, and was then 
stationed with th(> army at St. Auo-ustine, in Florida. There life 
was too monotonous for his active and ambitious spirit; and 
having no prospect of usefulness or distinction before him, he 
resigned on 30th of September, 1832. 

While connected with the arn]y he married Mrs. Tkask, for- 
merly Miss Louisa Claek, of Cornwall, on the Hudson river; a 
lady of superior intelligence, rare attainments and devoted piety. 
He moved with his wife to Cincinnati, where he opened an office 
as counselor at law, and practiced until the year 1834. Here 
he connected himself with the church, under the care of the Rev. 
Dr. Lyman Beecher, and was idcntilied with the religious inter- 
ests of the city. 

The Cincinnati college having become established in 1834, Mr. 
MrrcHEL was elected professor of mathematics, philosophy and 
astronomy. Here he had a held suited to his taste and genius. 
His ardor, in the noble study of the science of the heavenly 
bodies, was greatly quickened. He infused his enthusiasm into 
the minds of his pupils, by whom he was greatly loved and 
admired. 

In addition to the duties of his professorship, he hllcd the 
office of chief engineer of* the Little Miami railroad, from 1836 
to 1837. Thus in time of peace he was learning lessons that, 
3^ears afterwards, would enable him, amid the stern realities of 
war, to render the most valuable services to his country. 

In the prosecution of his astronomical studies. Professor 
Mitciiel felt the need of an observatory, and in 1832 he bent 
his energies towards obtaining the means for the erection of a 
great astronomical observatory in Cincinnati. He prepared and 
delivered a series of lectures upon astronom}^ that were received 
with the greatest enthusiasm. As his clear intellect moved with 
the planets, and searched for the secret laws of nature among 
the mysteries of the stars; as his pure soul reflected, as a bur- 
nished mirror, the beauties and sul)limities of God's wonderful 



56 MAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 

works; as he labored to weave out of language, garments with 
which to clothe his own grand ideas of the distances in space, 
and of the mas-nitude and mission of the far-off worlds; as he 
poured forth, in burning eloquence, his almost inspired thoughts 
of the attributes and perfections of the Inlinite Author of all 
material systems, and intelligent beings, — thousands listened 
in breathless attention, and with emotions of the highest delight. 
Not only did he gain the means for carrying forward his favorite 
project, but he gave an impetus, in the popular mind, to the 
science of astronomy, that is felt to this day. 

In speaking of Professor Mitchel as a man of science, an able 
writer says that he " was an ardent investigator, and an eminently 
practical inventor. Fully imbued with the poetry of science, 
delighting in the lofty picturesques of astronomic thought; 
al)ounding in the rarest imagery in his public teachings; his 
truest sphere was in the mechanism of the means for scientific 
observation and labor. To prepare himself as the director of 
the observatory, he had studied and mastered the higher astro- 
nomical mathematics, and was thoroughly conversant with the 
history of the science. To qualify himself as a public teacher, 
he had resolved the most difficult problems into such forms, and 
such lucid language, as to make them clear to many who had 
regarded it impossible to comprehend them. To give himself 
facility in oljserving, he had studied under Professor Aikey, the 
astronomer royal of England, at Greenwich; and to understand 
the scientific relations of astronomy as they appear in the cos- 
moo-ony of the universe, he had investigated those sister sciences 
which, while they are distinct elements of the great subject, 
came forward, in harmonious concourse, to cast their tribute at 
the feet of Him, who dictated the record of Moses." 

Without dcscrilung the various steps in the enterprise, which 
resulted in the erection of the Cincinnati observatory, now justly 
called the Mitchel Observatory, it is sufficient to state, that the 
corner stone of the pier that was to sustain the great telescope, 
was laid by the Hon. John Quincy Adams, on the ninth of No- 
vember, 1843. The telescope reached safely the city of Cincin- 
nali ill Fcl)niary, 1815, and in the following March the building 



MAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 57 

was in readiness for its reception. In the prosecution of this 
p-reat undertakino- Professor Mitchel had exhausted all his pri- 
rate means. He had overcome obstacles and difficulties that 
would have utterly discouraged ordinary men. He had labored 
on, month after month, and year after year, sustained only by 
the sleepless energy of his o^\n\ soul, and l^y the hope of success 
that inspires every truly great mind. But the desire of his heart 
was accomplished. He was permitted to gaze upon the triumph 
of his genius and enthusiasm, as expressed in the Ijeautiful temple 
crowning the lofty hill-top, and consecrated to science, to the 
universe, and to God. He had been instrumental in opening 
upon this continent, a new pathway to the skies, along which 
thought and aspiration might travel to distant worlds and sys- 
tems. The hour was one of J03' and exultation. But as the pro- 
fessor had learned that the brightest sun might be eclipsed, so 
he was soon to learn that the bright sun of prosperity might 
grow dim, and our most cherished plans be thwarted by an 
unseen hand. He had agreed to superintend the observatory 
for ten years, without remuneration, and to depend for his sup- 
port upon his salary as professor in the college. But in a sad 
hour the college was destroyed by fire, and he was left penniless! 
The temple enshrining the clear telescopic eye, stood serene 
upon the lofty eminence, but the high priest of science could not 
enter. His intellect, with its keen vision, was left to him. His 
energies had not been consumed in the conflagration. His know- 
ledge of the stars had not been turned into ashes. His trust in 
God was not gone. But his means of support were cut oft'; and 
what can he do? Hear him, in his own language: "It was 
impossible," he said, " to abandon the observatory. The college 
could not be rebuilt, at least for several years, and in this emer- 
genc}' I found it necessary to seek some means of support least 
inconsistent with my duties in the observatory. M}^ public lec- 
tures at home had been comparatively well received, and after 
much hesitation, it was resolved to make an experiment else- 
where. For five years I had been pleading the cause of science 
among those little acquainted with its technical language. I had 
become habituated to the use of such terms as were easily under- 



58 MAJ. GEN. O. I\I. MITCIIEL. 

stood; and prolialily to this circimistance more than to any other 
one thing, am I indebted for any snccess which may have attended 
my pnblic lectures. To the citizens of Boston, Brooklyn, New 
York and New Orleans, for the kinthiess with Avhich they were 
pleased to receive my imperfect efforts, I am deeply indebted." 

After a most brilliant career through these and other cities. 
Professor ]Mitchel accepted an appointment from the Ohio and 
Mississippi railroad company, as conlidential agent to attend to 
their business in Europe. In 1844 he surveyed this road, and 
in 1853 he went to Europe, and again in 1854, to transact busi- 
ness for the company. On his return he had charge of the 
eastern division of the railroad, and managed its affairs with 
great success. 

In the summer of 1860, he was chosen director of the Dudley 
Oliservatory, that adorns our own city. The land for this noble 
edifice was generously given by Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, 
and towards the building Mrs. Blandina Dudley gave $13,000, 
while other individuals increased the amount to .$25,000. But 
while the professor was maturing his plans, for giving the 
greatest possible success to this o1)servatory, the trumpet of war 
stirred his patriotic heart, and a sense of duty prompted him to 
tender to the Government his military knowledge, and his per- 
sonal services, for the defence of the country. It was, indeed, 
hard for him to relinquish his scientific pursuits, for which nature 
had so eminently endowed his intellect; it was hard for him to 
tear himself away from his cherished wife, and the delights of a 
fond home; it was hard for him to give up the brilliant future 
that was opening before him in the regit)ns of astronomical inves- 
tigation and discovery; but in the hour of his countrj-'s peril, he 
was ready to sacrifice all for her interests. And although the 
military career of Gen. Mitchel was short, yet it was long enough 
to prove that he was a whole-hearted patriot; a superior disci- 
plinarian; a lirave soldier, and a noble and successful connnander. 

For the details of his military life, we are indebted to Willlvjm 
P. Prentice, Esq. of New York city, who has furnished such 
facts as came within liis own personal knowledge. These we 
give maiidy in his own language. 



MAJ. GEX. O. M. MITCHEL. 59 

On the ninth of Angust, 1861, Prof. Mitciiel was appointed 
brigadier general of volunteers, and was ordered to report to 
General Fraxklix, on the Potomac. He was, however, almost 
innnediately relieved, at the request of western men, and sent to 
Cincinnati, as commander of the department of the Ohio. 

Here everything was in confusion, and destruction seemed 
coming down from Kentucky to sweep away the city and its 
State. There were no soldiers and no supplies. Quartermasters 
and commissaries were deeply in deljt, having l)een plundered 
by misera1)le contractors, and in every quarter there was need 
of such a man as now began to lead. 

Night and day he was at work, using others' powers as well as 
his own, organizing and directing whatever was to be done. He 
seemed almost to create artillery. As by magic, there came up 
regiments of foot, and marched to the front in Kentucky, seizing 
the railroads and mountain passes. Cincinnati, at once, had the 
fortifications Avhich have twice since proved her safety. Mr. 
Camerox, the Secretary, moved by the change wrought by this 
"live man," as he called him, and urged by the General and 
those who clearly saw the course of the rel)ellion, ordered an 
expedition to Cuml)erla.nd Gap, which, it was afterwards proved, 
must certainly have been a great success, by dividing the Con- 
federacy, saving Eastern Tennessee, and cutting off the rebel 
supplies from the west. 

But the delays, opposing counsel, and final countermand which 
this and other movements met, led the General to urge the con- 
solidation of the departments in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and 
Tennessee, in which he offered to take a subordinate place. 

The new department, called that of the Ohio, was created, and 
Gen. BuEL made its commander. Gen. Mitchel was second in 
rank. 

On the thirteenth of December, 1861, Gen. Mitciiel took 
command of the third division, army of the Ohio, and led it 
through Elizabethtown to Bacon creek, where he lay for six 
weeks, drilling and exercising his men, until he had certainly the 
finest division in the western army. 

He planned and urged the attack on Bowling Green, and leav- 



60 MxVJ. GEX. O. M. JIITCIIEL. 

ing Bacon creek February 11th, 1862, though held back at Green 
river, he captured it on the fourteenth, while Buel's main army 
was on the march to Donelson. This fell, and Nashville surren- 
dered to Gen. MiTCHEL February 23 d. 

To him also belongs the credit of the march upon and surprise 
of Huutsville, one of the most important movements of the war. 
For very soon Decatur and Bridgeport, with their bridges across 
the Tennessee; Tuscumbia, through which water communication 
with our army at Pittsburg Landing was opened, and a ilank 
attack on the rebel line of retreat otFered; Rogersville on the 
Elk river, and Winchester in the mountains, vreve ours. 

Had these been held by the united western forces as they 
should have been, and as Gen. Mitchel desired, the consequences 
would have been far diftercnt from what they were to our cause 
in Tennessee. 

The defence and government of the General's district of Middle 
Tennessee and Northern Alaliama, continued from April lltli to 
July 6th, when he was ordered to Washington, with a view to 
his employment in Virginia. 

The plan of an inroad upon Georgia, and a campaign in that 
State and Eastern Tennessee, in 1862, met with the approval of 
the Government, and was filed in the Secretary of War's office. 
It will be found to have been of similar and equal promise to 
that of Gen. Sherman. 

But the conflicting counsels at Washington were in the way 
of all work in the summer of 1862. In August, the Mississippi 
river expedition was ordered for Gen. Mitchel, and he was about 
to emijark with some thirty thousand troops for a cami:)aign 
which would have been short, and decisive of great results, if 
we can trust the evidence now l)efore us; but Gen. Halleck was 
called to the chief command, and ever}^ new project was for the 
time abandoned. 

It was a strange thing to see such a man as Gen. Mitchel idle, 
and, as a forlorn hope it seemed, he was in September sent to 
the department of the south. Matters there were in a bad state. 
Military misrule had produced a general discontent. The sol- 
diers were a prey to the climate; and the listlessness of camp 



MAJ, GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 61 

life, while the freedmcn corrupted by their idleness, gave little 
promise of improvement or work. 

The General landed at Port Royal September 16th. He began 
at once the reorganization of the tenth army corps, and very 
soon began to make for it a history, with new energy and hope- 
Four expeditions met with such success that the campaign 
against Charleston and Savannah was about to open. With rein- 
forcements of twenty thousand men, sustained in its inception 
with great conhdence by the government, and entered upon with 
enthusiasm by our troops, the first stroke, that against Pocotaligo, 
succeeded well. Three expeditions, organized jointly by the 
army and navy, were at once to follow, led by the Commodore 
and the General, for the purpose of cutting ofi' Wilmington, 
Charleston, Savannah and Mobile from mutual support. Charles- 
ton and Savannah would then have been attacked from the land 
side, positions on the coast gradually occupied, and expeditions 
sent into the interior. But while in the midst of these plans and 
others that contemplated the protection and elevation of the 
colored people, our hero -was prostrated by sickness. On Sun- 
day, the twenty-sixth of October, 1862, he was attacked by the 
yellow fever in Beaufort, S. C, and on the thirtieth of the same 
month he expired. 

His death, so sudden and unexpected, produced the greatest 
consternation and sorrow among all classes, white and black. 
Just as difficulties that had embarrassed efficient action in the 
jjast had been settled, and the brightest prospects were opened 
before our forces, the beloved leader was snatched aAvay. 

Gen. Mitchel's civil policy was not inferior to that of his 
military government. His schemes and eflTorts for the benefit 
of the negroes were eminently practical and successful; and as a 
leader, he was looked up to by them with great enthusiasm and 
hope. They gave him their best assistance, and solicrly entered 
upon their great task. They built for him his first model village, 
and took part in that social system of which he made the family 
and the church the centres. Soon peaceful industry would have 
overcome the ruin shown on every side, against Avhich, up to this 
time, almost nothing had been .done. The grandeur and prac- 



62 MAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCIIEL. 

tical wisdom of hi.s plans will lie recognized in his correspondence, 
invited hy the President, the Secretary of the Treasury and some 
of his New York friends, which will hereafter, it is hoped, be 
published. 

It is to be observed in reviewing his course, that while he 
used gloriously every opportunity, he was always found capable 
of greater thino-s. The rays of his genius Avere seen struoivlino; 
through every cloud, and breaking out into the light of noon- 
day. His powers of organization, and energetic, successful gov- 
ernment, displayed in the departments of the Ohio and of the 
south, mark him as of high administrative ability. The plan of 
the Cumlierland Gap expedition; the captures of Bowling Green, 
Nashville and Huntsville ; the plan of the campaign on the line 
of the Memphis and Charleston railroad, were all his; and also 
the plan of the Chattanooga and Georgia campaign, which would 
have saved the country untold misery. To him also belongs 
the credit of initiating such a campaign against Charleston as 
afterwards proved a success. These alone distinguish him as a 
great commander. 

As a leader he was unsurpassed; he seemed of electrical pre- 
sence; he always led; he marched like the thundercloud, and 
struck like the lightning. It was his lot never to have had to 
retreat, although not neglectful of its possibility. Observing 
every precaution and watching the details of every movement, 
few could be so sure as he. If the burning of Decatur and 
Bridgeport bridges should be called an exception, this unneces- 
sary action, it is to be rememljered, was l)y command of Generals 
BuEL and Halleck, and against Gen. Mitchel's own counsel. 

He was just and merciful in the use of power, although he 
sought strenuously to maintain perfect discipline. The devotion 
of his soldiers to him is well known; and Union feeling fol- 
lowed him in the southwest, as was seen before and after the 
outl)reak at Athens, in which the eighth brigade, then detached, 
was implicated. His cotton bridges, his improvised steamboats 
and gunboats, his plan of defence for railroads, his system of 
scouts among the negroes, his feats in railroad building, his extra- 
ordinary marches, show his invincibility by obstacles. His 



MAJ. GEN. O. M. aUTCHEL. 63 

passao-es of the rivers at Mumfordgville and Bowling Green were 
indeed grand, and show his masterly power. Think of twelve 
hundred feet of heavy bridging being created in ten days; three 
hundred feet in twenty-four hours; a flatboat made a steam gun- 
boat, for the shoals of the Tennessee river, in three or four days; 
pontoons put on the Elk river in eight da}'s; a river steamer 
made a gunboat at Charleston, and almost impregnable by the 
use of chains, as afterwards the Kearsage, in thirty-six hours ! 
Such things seem dreams rather than realities. 

It is proper to add that the Georgia railway expedition, so- 
called, owed neither its inception nor organization to Gen. 
MiTCiiEL, he having been simply furnished with men from the 
tliird division by the special orders of Gen. Bui:l. 

Fortunately, all the records of his military history have been 
carefully preserved. Among them the original dispatches and 
orders by him received are to be seen; and the copies of his 
orders and correspondence. For every douljtful act he sought 
and had the concurrence of the government, and he was cordially 
sustained by the friends of-the Nation and of truth. 

Gen. MiTCHEL was an earnest Christian soldier, and was ever 
ready to engage in every good work. In the southwest, daily 
prayers were offered up with each regiment, except when circum- 
stances rendered it impossible. Public services were also estab- 
lished on the Sabbath, and at his meals the divine blessinir was 
invoked. 

He had a soul that coul<l hear the cries of humanity, and 
respond by toil and sacrifices for the helpless and unfortunate. 
For the education and happiness of the freedmen committed to 
his charge, he did what he could; and at the last great day many 
of the recipients of his bcne^'olence will be ready to rise up and 
pronounce him blessed. At the moment the breath left his body 
science lost a rare ornament; the army mourned for a skillful 
and brave soldier; humanity wept for an earnest defender and 
advocate, and the church lost a true Christian and humble follower 
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The writings which he has left we would earnestly recommend 
to the lovers of science, and to ail who would enlarge their 



64 MAJ, GEN. O. M, MITCHEL. 

views of the grandeurs and splendors of the universe. Among 
them are his "PLanetary and Stelhir Worlds; " his '-Treatise on 
Algebra;" his ''Popular Astronomy," and "The Astronomy of 
the Bible," which has been published since his death. In read- 
ing the latter beautiful and eloquent work, we cannot but think 
of the spirit of our departed Christian hero as now moving amid 
those splendid regions, gathering fresh stores of knowledge from 
the vast fields that are open, and rejoicing in the love of that 
God, whom he delighted to serve with his genius and his heart 
while he was a resident of this earth. 



BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 65 



II. 

BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 

Passing along, we come to another countenance radiant with 
christian hope and beaming with victory. The eyes reveal the 
inward intelligence; the lips whisper the peace of the soul. 
Upon the brow is stamped " heroism." In the hand is a com- 
mission addressed to "Brig. Gen. James C. Eice," a name which 
history will embalm and posterity applaud. 

Six years ago this hero enlisted under the captain of our salva- 
tion, and professed his faith before angels and men, in the Madi- 
son Square Presbyterian Church, in the city of New York. Less 
than two years ago he took to his heart one who is now a widow. 
She looked and prayed for the brightness of serene skies, and 
received the thunderbolt that has shattered her spirit. 

Although this christian soldier did not first enter the service 
of his country from Albanj^, yet his numerous family connections 
here, together with his being early and prominently identified 
with the Fourty-fourth N. Y., better known as the Ellsworth 
regiment, which was organized and sent to the field from this 
city, gives All)any the right to claim him, and to place his name 
upon the list witli her own noble sons. 

Gen. Rice was a native of the State of Massachusetts. He was 
born in the town of Worthington, Hampshire county, in the year 
1828. The records of his ancestors trace them to Hertfordshire 
county, England. They were among the early settlers of New 
England, having immigrated to this country about the year 1636. 

The paternal and maternal grandfathers of Gen. JRiCE were 
active participants in the Revolutionary war, and both served at 
several diflerent times during that long conflict, and endured 
many and great hardships. The father of Gen. Rice was a com- 

5 



bb BPJG. GEN. JAMES C. EICE. 

missioned officer, and served several months during the last war 
with Great Britain. He is said to have been a man of true mar- 
tial spirit, and a thorough and a brave officer. The mother, who 
is now living at the advanced age of eighty-four years, has been 
a woman of great energy of character. Her long life of devoted 
purity and strong Christian faith, has deeply impressed itself 
upon all who have been subject to her influence; and it was from 
this source that the son drew his religious inspiration. 

Gen. EiCE graduated at Yale College, in the class of 1853, 
with distinction. Upon leaving college, he took charge of a 
seminary at Natchez, Miss., giving such spare moments as he had 
at command to the study of the law, having already decided to 
make this his profession. He returned to the north the following- 
year and entered the office of Theodore Sedgwick, Esq., in New 
York city. Not long after he was admitted to practice in the 
courts of this State. He was here devoting himself to his pro- 
fession, which was already becoming lucrative, when the first 
call was made for volunteers to defend the flag of the Union. 
Immediately upon the firing upon Fort Sumter, his ardent and 
patriotic nature was fully aroused to the magnitude of the oflence 
against the government, as also to the urgent necessity of great 
determination and promptness on the part of the people to sus- 
tain and preserve their institutions. He believed that this could 
best be done by a general uprising of the north, hoping thereby 
to convince the insurgents, before blood should be spilled, of the 
futility of the attempt to subvert the government. He immedi- 
ately offered himself as a private in one of the New York city regi- 
ments, but so rapidly were the ranks then filling up, that the 
regiment was already found to have a surplus of men, and he was 
transferred to the Thirty-ninth N. Y. S. V., known as the Garibaldi 
Guards. He received a commission as first lieutenant, and was 
appointed adjutant of this, then, splendid regiment, upon which 
large sums of money had been lavishly bestowed by the citizens 
of the metropolis. The regiment was early in the field, but from 
lack of discipline, did not meet the expectations of its friends. 
Insubordination soon began to manifest itself among the men, 
and on one occasion Lieut. Rice took such a determined and 



BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 67 

courageous stand, as to successfully quell a formidable mutiny. 
For liis gallant conduct on this occasion he was immediately pro- 
moted to a captaincy. With this regiment Captain Rice was 
eu5:ao:ed in the first battle of Bull's Run. Soon after the return 
of his regiment to the defences about Washington, he became 
convinced that he could not, in this organization, be as useful to 
the cause, as he desired to be. He therefore made application to 
Gov. Morgan for a position in some of the now regiments then 
being raised. High testimony from liis superior ofiicers to his 
fidelity and bravery, secured for him the appointment of lieuten- 
ant colonel of the gallant Fourty-fourth, whose already full ranks 
were waiting to be officered. On receiving this appointment, 
Lieut. Col. Rice was the recipient of a beautiful sword, belt, &c., 
from the ladies and gentlemen of Albany. The following account 
of the presentation is taken from the Albany Evening Journal 
of October 19th, 1861: 

"A large company of ladies and gentlemen met at the house 
of A. McClure last evening, on the occasion of the presentation 
of sword, &c., to Lieut. Col. Rice, of the Ellsworth regiment. 
Among those present were Gov. Morgan, Hon. Erastus Corn- 
ing, John G. Saxe, Esq., and other distinguished citizens. The 
Presentation Address was made by Mrs. William Barnes, who 
spoke with great feeling and in a vein of patriotic fervor, which 
stirred the hearts of all who listened. It will be long; before the 
recipient will forget her eloquent words and impressive counsels. 
Lieut. Col. Rice responded in an address marked at once by 
earnestness and scholarly finish. He pledged those present that 
the sword, of which he was the recipient, should return to its 
scabbard, when the war was ended, untarnished; and that no 
friend should have cause to blush over his record. He was 
deeply aftected, and spoke with the pathos of earnest feeling. 

"The sword is beautifully finished, and bears the following 
inscription: 'Lieut. Col. Rice, Forty-fourth Regiment N. Y. S. 
V. Presented by his Albany Friends.' Among the articles pre- 
sented, in addition, were a pair of revolvers, belt and sash, &c." 

After the appropriate and eloquent Presentation Speech by 
Mrs. Wm. Barnes, Col. Rice made the following reply: 



68 BRIG. GEN. J.UIES C. EICE. 

'■'■ Resjpected Madam: Be pleased to accept for yourself, and for 
those whom you have so eloquently represented here this eve- 
ing, my grateful thanks, for these precious testimonials of your 
and of their regard. 

"Aside from the intrinsic value of these martial gifts, so rich 
and beautiful in themselves, the thought that they are the gener- 
ous offerings of friends whose esteem long years of absence from 
their midst has not dimmed; the thought that tl^e fair and patri- 
otic channel of their conveyance is, at this moment, recalling to 
the mind of each one present the distinguished source from 
which you spring; the thought that they are presented here, 
surrounded by my kindred and family friends; and, above all, 
the thought that they are so soon to be used for the defence of 
a beloved country, in whose preservation each of our homes and 
firesides, our families, and all the kindliest relations and bless 
ings of life are so intimately allied, will ever enhance to me the 
value of your gifts — adding, whether upon the tented or battle 
field, joy to duty — tenderly touching to their finest issues the 
sacred love and devotion I bear to my country, and causing me 
more fully than ever before, to realize: 

•' How home-felt pleasure prompts the patriot's sigh, 
And makes him wish to live, yet dare to die.' 

"The manner, Madam, in which these martial gifts have been 
presented to me — coming as they do from the hands of one of 
the gentler sex, and surrounded as I am by so numerous an 
assemblage of fair women and brave men — naturally calls to my 
mind those chivalric days of England's earliest kings, when 
around the Round Table of the good and gallant Arthur, valorous 
knights modestly told their loves, and feats of arms; when the 
fair Countess of Brittany and Montford stooped to bind the sash 
and sword around the waists of the bold Sir Tristam, and the 
generous Knight, Sir Lancelot; when the fair Lady Isabella, and 
the beautiful Eloisa, beside prancing steeds, gracefully knelt and 
fixed the spurs to their gallant knights; when the brave Templar 
of Ivanhoe won his fair Rowena by his faithful arms; when love 
was the crowning^ g-race — the g-randeur of the soldier's toils and 



BKIG. GEN. J^iaiES C. EICE. 69 

bravery in woman's eyes the clearest quality of the manly mind. 
In accepting this sword, on this occasion, from your fair hands, 
I would not entirely forget the noble examples of those chivalric 
times; but I will remember their many virtues, their mercy 
towards the helpless, and their kindness towards the oppressed. 
Be assured. Madam, that this sword, now entrusted to me hy 
you, shall never be tarnished with one ignoble or ungenerous 
action; that as it now comes from your hands, bright and un- 
sullied, so shall it be sheathed, when this war shall have ceased and 
peace shall have been restored throughout the land. When the 
sldllful armorers of Saragossa presented their new made swords 
to the brave knights of old, they first plunged them, hot from 
the forge, into the river Stalo, and thus tempered, baptized them 
with a sacred name, and dedicated them to some noble cause. 
This night I receive this sword, tempered 1)y your eloquent and 
burning words, and forever dedicate it to the freedom and pre- 
servation of my country. Inspired by your commands, I receive 
this sword, and with the Trojan hero, as the Greeks threatened 
his beloved Troy, confidently exclaim: 

* * * 'Si Pergama dextra 
Defend! possent, etiam hac defensa fuissent.' 

" If the Union can be defended by any right hand, even by 
fhis, it shall be defended. 

"In the sentiments which you have so eloquently and feel- 
ingly expressed in regard to this war, I fully concur. I have 
long and confidently believed that God, looking down from His 
Eternal Throne of Justice upon the American people, from the 
formation of our Government, and despairing, after a long and 
faithful trial, that justice and right would ever be done to the 
down-trodden slave, either by the North or the South, at last 
has taken their emancipation upon Himself. I believe that it is 
God's divine purpose, having used the wrath of the South to 
commence this war, to cause that wrath to praise Him by the 
freedom of every slave. And I also confidently believe that this 
war, under his Providence, will be made just severe enough to 
effect this ol)ject; and that it will be ended by God only when 



70 BEIG. GEN. JAMES C. EICE. 

we, as individuals, both North and South, shall see and realize 
this Divine object. Be assured. Madam, that in this war 

' There is a Divinity tliat shapes our ends, 
Rough hew them as we will.' 

Bearing no unkind or ungenerous spirit towards the South, but 
at the same time determined to defend my country to the last, 
on this Divinity, in conducting this war to a happy and glorious 
peace, I alone rely. 

"With feelings thus inspired, I receive these military arms 
and equipments from your hands. But be assured that in doing 
so, I accept them relying not boastingly or confidently upon my 
own strength. I receive them, feeling deeply the responsibility 
of the sacred trust imposed upon me by your kindness, and trust- 
ing for their unsullied keeping entirely to that Being who never 
forsakes the brave and the faithful, who in the day of battle and 
of trial, put their trust in Him alone. I accept them as a Chris- 
tian, feeling that they are to be used in a most holy cause — a 
cause that God will bless, and in His own wise time and way 
bring to a happy and glorious issue. I accept them as a patriot, 
proudly remembering the blessings and the glor}- of our coun- 
try's past, and anxiously trusting that the same glory and bless- 
ings, so abundantl}^ shared by us, may be transmitted to our 
children. I accept them as a soldier, willing to leave all, sacri- 
fice all (save a Saviour's love), willing to ofl'er up my life, if need 
be, for my country; for in the loss of our country all is lost, and 
whoever of us shall be so unhappy as to survive his country, can 
but feel that he has already lived too long." 

The subsequent history of this regiment, and the glorious 
record made by it, are well known. Young Rice was shortly 
promoted to its command, and led it through all the hard fighting 
of the seven days' battles before Richmond, in the campaign of 
1862. It was here that the soldiers learned, in their hardships 
and sufierings, that they had in their Colonel, a friend whose 
heart was ever open to their needs, and that their comfort was 
ever his first solicitude. The noble men of this splendid regi- 
ment, who have escaped the dangers of the ])attle field, uniformly 



BEIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 71 

bear grateful testimony to the constant kindness and sympathy 
of Col. Rice. At the battle of Gettysburg he had charge of a 
brigade, and here, in the language of an eye-witness of that day's 
terrible conflict, " he again distinguished himself by his gallantry 
and skill. He was highly spoken of hy Gen. Meade, for his con- 
duct on this occasion, and earnestly recommended ])y him, as 
well as by Generals Hooker and Butterfield, for an appoint- 
ment of brigadier general of volunteers. The President acqui- 
esced in the wishes of these officers, and Col. Rice was presented 
with his commission, dating from the day of the l)attle of Gettys- 
buro;." Gen. Rice was now assio-ned to the command of a 
brigade, and had a part in all tlie battles of the "Army of the 
Potomac," till the fatal bullet closed his earthly career, at the 
close of a desperate day's fight at Spottsylvania, Virginia. 

Gen. Rice's last letter, addressed to his aged mother, reveals 
the inner thoughts and workinos of liis soul. He said: 

"We are about to commence the campaign, the greatest in 
magnitude, strength and importance since the beginning of the 
war. God grant that victory may crown our arms; that this 
wicked rebellion may be crushed, our Union preserved, and 
peace and prosperity again be restored to our beloved country. 
My faith and hope and confidence are in God alone, and I know 
that you feel the same. I trust that God may again graciously 
spare my life, as he has in the past; and yet we cannot fall too 
early, if, loving Christ, one dies for his country. My entire 
hope is in the cross of my Saviour. In this hope I am always 
happy. We pray here in the army, mother, just the same as at 
home. The same God who watches over you also guards me. 
I always remember you in my prayers, and I know that you 
never forget me in yours. All that I am, under God, I owe to 
you, mother. Do you recollect this passage in the Bible: 'Thou 
shalt keep, therefore, the statutes, that it may be well with thee, 
and thy children after thee.' How true this is in respect to your 
children, mother. I hope that you will read the Bible and trust 
the promises to the last. There is no book like the Bible for 
comfort. It is a guide to the steps of the young — a staff to the 
aged. Well, my dear mother, good bye. We are going again 



72 BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. EICE. 

to our duty, to bravely offer up our life for that of our country, 
and, through God, we shall do it valiantly. With much love 
and many prayers, that whatever may betake us we may meet in 
Heaven at last, I am, your affectionate son, 

"JAMES." 

They will meet again where sorrow and parting are no more. 

We regret that after several efforts we have not been able to 
obtain a fuller account and more minute details of tlie career of 
this distinguished soldier and eminent Christian; but the follow- 
ing papers, from those who knew well the departed hero, afford 
a just and clear view of his pure and lofty character, and of the 
valuable services that he rendered to our country. 

THE LAIVIENTED GEN. JAMES RICE, AS HE APPEARED IN CAMP A VISIT 

WITH HIM TO A PRAYER MEETING HIS RE^HARKS AT THE MEETING. 

Correspondence of the New York Evening Post. 

Near Culpepper, April, 1864. 

MY FIRST NIGHT WITH THE ARMY. 

Well, after dinner my hosts fulfilled their promise; one of 
them guided me several miles to the quarters of the General. 

The General is a Massachusetts Yankee, and was a New York 
lawyer. He entered the war as a private; became afterwards 
lieutenant colonel of the finest regiment our State has ever sent 
out; rose to be colonel of it, and was made brigadier general for 
a brilliant deed at Gettysburg. He has fought his way up, 
having neither family nor political influence, an-d has the reputa- 
tion, with the commanding general, of holding tenaciously what 
is given him to hold, and going, over all ditficulties, to the spot 
which he is ordered to take. His men say of him that he never 
says "go," but always, "come;" they are sure of hard fighting 
under him, but they are certain, too, to see him leading in the 
hottest part of it. He will blush when he reads these praises of 
him, but as I do not call him by name, and as what I tell is the 
simple truth concerning the simplest, purest and bravest soldier 
I ever knew, there is no need of his blushes. 

I proposed a walk liefore dark, and we lit our cigars and saun- 
tered through the 1)rigade, that I might see how soldiers live in 



BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 73 

their winter quarters. It is not snch an uncomfortable life as 
many of us at home feared. What we call tents are in fact huts; 
a frame-work of logs is built up to the height of four feet, and 
tightly sealed with mud; over this is spread a canvass tent as a 
roof. A broad, backwoods fireplace extends nearly across one 
side of this little house, on which the great logs are heaped to 
make a warm and cheerful fire. Some tents have boarded floors, 
in others the ground is beaten down hard; all are kept dry by a 
ditch surrounding the outside. Within are two " bunks " or 
berths, in which two or four men sleep; the walls are decorated 
with pictures cut from illustrated papers, with scraps from the 
country weeklies, patriotic songs, here and there an army hymn, 
and perhaps a photograph. You enter by a door, but there are 
no windows, the canvass roof admitting al)undant light. This 
was the home of our soldiers during the long winter months. 
Here they read, slept and discussed; for these men are inex- 
haustil)lc disputants, having brought with them from home all 
their curious love of political discussion. 

"There is the chapel," said the General to me; "the chaplain 
is an excellent man — plain, rough, but full of fervor, and with a 
spirit of a Christian soldier. There is a prayer meeting to-night, 
and we will go in presently." 

The chapel was a long building of logs, somewhat higher than 
the ordinary tents, and covered with canvass given by the Chris- 
tian Commission. The seats were fence rails, firmly fixed in 
crotches driven into the ground. A little ledge, with two 
candles, answered the purpose of a pulpit and reading stand. 
When we entered, the meeting was about to begin. The house 
was full, aljout one hundi*ed and twenty-five men having gathered 
too-ethcr. I shall not soon foro;et this remarkable evening. The 
chaplain opened the meeting with a hymn, sung to a familiar, 
old-fashioned Methodist air, then asked the General to pray, who 
did so, fervently and simply. After more singing, such of the 
men as chose were called upon to speak or pray, as they wished. 
A number rose, one after the other, some speaking a few words, 
others offering a prayer. Those who spoke, urged in simple, 
direct, earnest words the necessity and happiness of a Christian 



74 BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. EICE. 

life; those who prayed, called upon God, with touching appeals, 
to bless their country, the President, their generals and their 
families, from whom they had been so long separated. They 
spoke and prayed as men feel who have been long upon the sea, 
and whose port is yet far off; as men troubled with the yearn- 
ings of a lonely life, yet strong in their sense of duty fullilled, 
and earnest to continue even unto death, if God so willed, in the 
cause for which they have so long battled. I am not ashamed 
to say that my heart filled, and tears came to my eyes, as I 
listened to them and saw what greatness of endurance, what for- 
titude and patient self-sacrifice, was found here in the camp. 
At the clo^e of the meeting the General spoke: "You know 
well," said he, "and I rejoice that you know the importance 
and sacredness of the contest in which we are engaged. This is 
God's war; we who fight it are God's soldiers; we are God's peo- 
ple — the plain people whom he loves and cares for. This is 
God's war; everything that is holy and good on earth is at stake 
in it; we are fighting for law, for free government, for the liberty 
and equality of all men; we are fighting to maintain all that ever 
or can keep this Nation pure and happy and prosperous; not only 
our laws and our liberties, and those of our children, ])ut even 
the religion of Christ would be corrupted if the enemies of the 
Union could triumph. They are autocrats, hating the plain peo- 
ple, despising the workingmen, corrupting religion, snatching 
at our liljcrties. We are God's servants, engaged in his work; 
and because we are that, because it is His service we do, therefore 
we are bound to be honest, to be faithful, upright, enduring, 
brave, pure of life, devoted in all things to Him who is our mas- 
ter; therefore it belongs to us, before all other men, to serve 
God in every act of our lives, to love Him, to follow His com- 
mands, to restrain our passions, to be in all things moderate, 
virtuous soldiers of God." 

"You have been told," he went on, "how the soldiers of the 
Union are thought of at the north; how they are cared for, loved, 
looked up to. You know how, in your own homes, a soldier of 
the Revolution was reverenced, because he fought in the great 
battles which first gave us liberty; but your reward a\ ill be greater 



BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. ' 75 

and more enduring than theirs. When this war is over, and you 
o-o home, you will be received with shouts, and hosannas, and 
tears of joy; you will be honored and cherished as man never 
was before you in the world; your children and children's 
children, to the latest generation, will make it their proudest 
boast that their fathers fought in this great and holy war. You 
will found families in the land; the greatest in the land will be 
proud to say, 'my ancestors served in the great war; ' and if we 
die on the field of l)attle, as many of us must, do you think we 
shall ])e forgotten? Ah! don't believe it. When the war is 
over, be sure every smallest incident of its history will be traced, 
every name will be recorded, every brave deed will be searched 
out, and for a century to come your trials, your sufferings, your 
constancy and bravery will be the chosen theme of the most 
finished scholars, and the greatest writers our country produces. 
No act of ours will escape the vigilance of that multitude of busy 
writers who will, in every State and every town, search out our 
names and the story of our services, to make them known to the 
Nation, which will call us fathers of a redeemed country, the 
soldiers of a greater revolution. Ah! it is a proud thing to fight 
in this war; our resvard will be great. Let us live such lives 
that God will love us, and that our countrymen may be proud of 
us. Let us keep up, here in the camp, the thoughts and habits 
of the dear homes we have left so far away, that our old mothers, 
when we come back to them, shall not find us in anything changed 
except for the better." 

Do men fail to think thus? The General, whose words I have 
written here, has fought in twenty battles. He is but a little 
])ast thirty, but his lilack hair is already grizzled, and the lines in 
his grim face tell of exposure and the excitement of battle. " Do 
they see it as you do, General," I asked, as we walked homeward, 
"do they believe with you?" Believe," said he, "they knoiv; 
they have discussed these questions many hundred times about 
their camp fires; it is their life, their hearts are full of it. Do 
you think they are men who give their ease, their prospects, their 
lives for it; don't understand it? My dear sir, they know more 
than all the north put together." 



76 BEIG. GEN. JAJMES C. RICE. 

I believe tliey do. Those soldiers, in their long isolation froin 
the busy world of home, have pondered and settled certain ques- 
tions for themselves; they have disentangled themselves from 
the sophistries in which adroit politicians at home used to catch 
men as in nets. They call right, right; wrong, wrong, and duty, 
duty. The men of this army are curiously self-contained, self- 
contident. They no longer toss up their hats for a passing gen- 
eral — a disgusting fashion which was encouraged in the army at 
first, Ijecause it was thought that Americans fight as Frenchmou, 
and must be moved by personal motives, and by appeals to the 
meaner passions. "The soldier, if he does his duty, is as good 
as his officer," they say; "the soldiers have achieved more than 
their officers in this army; ive gain battle by hard fighting." 
They believe in the power of the army of the Potomac, and think 
it the finest army now in the world. " It is easy," they say, " to go 
on from victory to victory; easy to be confident when you always 
beat the enemy." But we have been defeated time and agtiin, 
and after every defeat we have fought again as stubbornly', as 
bravely as ever. That's the hardest trial. But of what the army 
says, or such small part of it as one by chance and effort can 
get knowledge of, I must write another time. C. N. 

BRIG. GEN. JvUIES C. RICE. 

By Chaplain Twiciiell, Second Regiment Excelsior Brigade. 

One of the most pleasant passages of my army experience, and 
one that I think will stay as freshly as any in my recollection, 
should my life go on to old age, is my last visit to Gen. Eice, at 
his head quarters near Culpepper Court House, a few days before 
we crossed the Rapidan and entered upon the late campaign, 
from the scenes of which he was fated so soon to disappear. I 
cannot say that he and I were friends, as our acquaintance had 
been recently formed; but I had often felt of late, that if his 
regard should keep pace with mine for a season, we were des- 
tined to become such; for it was not possible for one who knew 
him, to refrain his love. His soldiers, Avho sat down in the 
trenches before Spottsylvania, and sobljcd when word passed 



BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 77 

along the line, " The General is dead!" can tell how that wjis, 
for they knew him, as he knew them. 

The afternoon before the visit I speak of, I had ridden over 
to Culpepper — several miles from our camp — to pass the night 
with a friend; and just at sunset, having half an hour to spare, I 
called on the General. Had I no more than that short interview 
to recall concerning him, it was still enough to make me a 
mourner when he fell. He had lately written, to send to Mr. 
Whittier, that beautiful, sad story of the hospital, since puli- 
lished in the " Independent," and taking the manuscript from 
his portfolio, he read it aloud to me. His voice, subdued to the 
pathos of the sul)ject, and the narrative itself, blended harmo- 
niously with the soft shadows of the waning spring day that 
gathered around the reader's form as he stood in a western 
window for light, all together blend harmoniously with my 
present thoughts of the scene, now that, like the sergeant whose 
last hours he comforted, the General himself has halted and 
bivouacked forever. 

When I rose to go, but not till the proposed half hour had 
twice expired, he asked me with true soldierly heartiness to stay 
till morning, and replied to my plea of a previous engagement: 
" Well, then, come out to-morrow and spend the forenoon; I shall 
be at liberty after nine o'clock, and we can talk over everything." 
I am very thankful now that there was nothing to forbid my 
acceptance of the invitation. 

When the orderly admitted me, at the time appointed, the 
General was giving audience to three private soldiers of his com- 
mand, who had come for counsel in some matter. It was de- 
lightful to witness the spirit that presided at the interview. The 
grace with which his kindness met their confidence, showed that 
kindness and confidence were the law and custom of the place; 
yet no one could have failed to perceive that the proprieties of 
rank were not in the least article violated. That he was their 
commander, appeared as plain as that he was not their tyrant. 
When finally he dismissed them, satisfaction and gratitude shone 
in all their faces, and I comprehended why it was that once (as 
I heard himself tell), during the " Seven Days," in the summer 



78 BRIG, GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 

of 1862, when he was Colonel, the remnant of his wasted regi- 
ment, ordered as a forlorn hope to save a battle well-nigh lost, 
followed him steadily np, struggling through the refluent tide 
of their own broken line, until it dashed, bayonet to bayonet, 
against that of the enemy, sweeping down fifty to one, and 
stopped it at the fearful cost of nearly half that started. The 
smile of encouragement by which he lighted the hearts of his 
men, and more than that, the frequent prayers he ofiered, kneel- 
ing in their midst, boded ill to the foe against which he led them. 

Thus was my forenoon with Gen. Rice introduced. Before it 
ended, I heard him say many things that I wish might be told 
in his own noble words — it would honor his memory so much 
more than any representation of mine. But the long intervening 
agony of this campaign, whose battles have almost jostled each 
other — the echoes of one scarcely dying out before the thunder 
of the next begun — makes that quiet April day seem a great way 
back, and I cannot recall it as I would. His words, as he uttered 
them, are for the most part gone from me, but their sulistance 
and manner, and the impression they made on me, are as yes- 
terday. His country was the one engrossing theme with him. 
He did not much discuss parties, or campaigns. Though he 
gave his opinions freely of both, neither political aspects nor 
alone the military situation appeared uppermost in his thought; 
but rather the true goal of our legislation and our arms — the 
advancement of Li])erty. That it was the duty and privilege of 
the Nation to he free, was a truth that, on this day at least, pos- 
sessed him utterly. He lietrayed little interest in other things. 
We walked out, looked at the horses, talked somewhat of men 
and books, remembered our common alma mater, touched on a 
variety of topics, and occasionally a staff officer came with busi- 
ness; but whatever the diversion, the General each time soon 
returned to the cause, for which, soul and body, he was in arms; 
and listening, I felt the charm that dwells in consecration. 

I wish again that I could repeat all the strong words his loy- 
alty chose; but these I do remember: As we strolled through 
an orchard that adjoined his quarters, he stopped me by the 
shoulder, and, turning so that we faced each other, said, with a 



BRIG. GEN. JAJMES C. RICE. 79 

great weight of earnestness on every syllable, and his eye burn- 
ing: " Why, I have thought this over so much, and have lain 
awake so many nights in anxiety for the country, and have grown 
to love her so — ." He did not conclude the sentence; but the 
intensity of his expression, and especially of the last clause, 
tliough it was tenderly spoken, was such, that to have added, 
" that I offer her my life," would have weakened the sense. After 
a silence, he continued: "If we should fail in this war, and I 
survive it, my course is determined. I shall never leave olf 
fighting for liberty — if not in this country, in some other — if not 
with my sword, with my pen — to the end of my life." And so 
the General went on, as long as I remained his guest, l^reathing 
out his passionate devotion to the truth, for which, in a few days, 
he was to spill the blood of his brave heart; and knowing how 
many times his knighthood had been proven in the fires of 
conflict, he seemed to me, while speaking, as grand as a man 
could be. 

Of the Christian piety, that was Gen. Rice's eminent trait, 
though it was manifest in his whole conversation, I have not 
spoken distinctively, because I had yet something to relate that 
would set it clearly forth. My desire to tell this, moved me, 
more than anything else, to write a sketch of the visit. 

As the day advanced to noon, and we returned from our walk 
to his room, we fell to talking of what would follow if our cause 
should be lost. The strain grew more and more sombre, till it 
drooped into silence — a silence which the General broke by 
saying, as one proposing the solution of a difiiculty: " Suppose 
we pray." He rose, and taking the Bible from the shelf, opened 
it and read the fourth chapter of 2d Corinthians — " Therefore, 
seeing we have this ministry," etc., — after a manner that showed 
how deeply he felt that a ministry had been committed to him. 
At the eighth verse he paused to look up and smile; when the 
reading was ended, we kneeled down. He drew very near the 
Throne, revealing how closely a Christian soldier may walk with 
God. It is not often that any single passage of a life can be 
taken as a specimen of the whole, and especially the ordinary, 
every-day expression of a great and useful career is not up to the 



80 BEIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 

level of a grand significauce ; but I think that this prayer of Gen. 
EiCE, written over his tomb, might stand as a just monument and 
record, to tell the true history of what he was. It was the last 
of earth between the General and me. As we rose from our 
knees, he remarked, in a cheerful tone: "It looks brighter, 
does n't it?" and I, feeling that the visit was complete, soon took 
my leave. 

I saw him once more. He lay in a tent — dead. A wounded 
soldier, with his face buried in liis hands, sat beside the body. 
I lifted the hat that covered the features. Tliey were calm as 
the slumber of peace. I remembered how he once said to a 
friend of mine, wlio told it to me: " Give my life for my country! 
I have given it many a time." The sacrifice was often carried to 
the altar; at last the flame liad touched it, and it was consumed. 
The sound of cannon at the front, when the battle yet raged, was 
borne back on tlie trembling air, but his sword reposed quietly 
beside the still hand, that two hours Ijefore had grasped it in 
God's name. It was pleasant then, as it has been through the 
six weeks of fiery toil and tempest, that have since worn wearily 
by, to think that the General was at rest. 

THE FUNERAL SERVICES AT NEW YORK. 

We o'ive the account of these services from the "Wisconsin 
Puritan," because of the additional facts of interest that the article 
contains relative to our departed hero. 

" Honors to the Heroic Dead." 

Under the al)Ove title, we find in the "New York Evangelist" 
of May 19th, an account of the funeral services of the late Briga- 
dier General James C. Rice, who fell mortally wounded while 
leading his troops, on Tuesday, May 10th, in the late series of 
battles in Virginia. We copy the account in full, for two rea- 
sons: First; we of Milwaukie and Wisconsin have a kind of 
inheritance in this departed hero, by virtue of his brother, John 
Rice, Esq., in this city, to whom Avas written his last letter, just 
on the eve of the campaign in which he nobly laid down his life. 



BEIG. GEN. JAMES C. EICE. 81 

Secondly; in Gen. Rice were beautifully and grandly united the 
Christian, the patriot and the hero. 

In civil life there are some who combine the characteristics of 
a Christian and a patriot. In military life there are less such. 
Few in either class add to the other two qualities, so excellent 
in themselves, the undaunted valor and intrepidity of a hero. Let 
his name be held up now and in all history, for emulation. Look 
at a few last things concerning Gen. Eice. He closed his last 
letter thus: 

"I enter upon this campaign cheerful and happy, fori love 
my country more than my life, and my entire hope, whether 
living or dying, is in Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer. Again, 
good-liye, my dear brother; and if we meet not again on earth, 
may we meet in Heaven. Your affectionate brother, 

"JAMES." 

His last words were: " Turn me over and let me die with my 
face to the enemy; " and the dispatch from the battle field, 
announcing his last breath, was: "He fell at the head of his 
column, where he was ta be found in every fight." He was in 
twenty battles. How marvellous did he escape in all the preced- 
ing. God spared him, not only to serve his country through her 
greatest peril, but to give him time and occasion to leave a name 
and influence for posterity. The treasure will be governed with 
fond affection and great respect. We have seen the whole of his 
last letter referred to. The writer seems to us to have had a 
premonition that it was his last campaign. We should judge that 
he had just closed a letter to his beloved wife. He then turns to 
his brother and touchingly speaks of his companion, and makes 
a brother's statements and requests (which may not be spread 
before the public eye), as though he stood in the very face of 
death, and much expected to fall beneath his dart. Ah! it is 
trying to the soul to go into the deadly conflict thus; and that, 
not for himself, nor for his family, but for his country — self and 
family and all laid on the public altar. God bless the men who 
do it. The account of his funeral, with some biographical notice, 
is as follows: 

" One of the most imposing services we ever witnessed took 

6 



82 BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 

place last Sunday afternoon at the church of Rev. Dr. Adams, on 
Madison square. The occasion was the funeral of Brig. Gen. 
James C. Rice, who fell in the Ijattle of Tuesday. He was an 
officer of high reputation in the army, and not one was more truly 
beloved by those whom he commanded, or more deeply mourned. 
In this city he w\as well known, having resided here many years. 
He was a member of Madison Square Church, and here, before 
the altar where he had professed his faith in Christ, and where 
he had l)ecn joined in marriage, was now laid his manly form, 
silent in death. The deep interest and general sorrow drcAV 
together an immense audience. Long before the hour, the church 
was tilled to overflowing. At half-past three the remains encof- 
tined, draped in the national flag and decorated with wreaths, 
bearing on it the hat and sword of the deceased, was borne in, 
escorted by several distinguished officers, among whom were 
Gen. Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter, Maj. Gen. Dix and 
Brig. Gen. Hays. During its passage up the broad aisle, an 
appropriate requiem was performed by the organ and choir. 

" When this solemn strain had died away. Rev. Dr. Prentiss 
began the service by reading the Scriptures; and never did those 
blessed words of consolation: ' I am the resurrection and the 
life;' 'Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first 
fruits of them that slept; ' and 'Oh! death, where is thy sting? 
Oh! grave, where is thy victory? ' sound more appropriate than 
over the bier of one struck down in the power of his manhood, 
yet dying in a holy cause, full of Christian faith and hope. 

" Dr. Adams then rose to pay the last tribute to his departed 
friend and l)rother. Looking down from the pulpit upon the 
coffin which contained all that remained of the noble dead, it 
Avas some moments before he could speak. He then began in 
words that we shall long rememlier: 

" 'The scene before us needs no interpreter. It is solemn and 
sublime 1)eyoud all speech. Solenm and sublime, because we 
])cnd over the bier of a true, brave. Christian soldier, who died 
in the discharge of his duty, at head of his column, full of faith 
in liis Redeenicr and the cause of country. Six years since, in 
this very church, he who now lies here confessed Christ, and 



BRIG. GEN. J^VIMES C. RICE. 83 

partook of the comnmnion. Eighteen mouths since he stood 
before this altar and was married, going forth with only a sky 
of l)lue and gold; upon that identical si)ot he lies now, on his 
wa}^ to an honored grave. The circumstances of this occasion in 
themselves are eloquent. Self-sacrifice is eloquent; devotion to 
the cause of God and our country is eloquent; death is eloquent. 
Who would not rather be in that coffin, covered with the emblem 
of our nationality, a true patriot and a Christian, than be walking- 
alive a supporter of this wicked rebellion against the best gov- 
ernment the world ever saw; or than be dragging out a low, 
sordid, sensual and selfish existence.' " 

" Dr. Adams then proceeded to give a sketch of the life of the 
deceased, a few points of which we give, as well as we can, from 
memory: He was a native of New England, being boi-n at Worth- 
ington, Mass., where his mother still lives, at the age of eighty- 
four years. When he came to this city to enter on the profession 
of law, his mind was somewhat disposed to skepticism, Init meet- 
intr with wise religious counsel and instruction, he soon embraced 
the truth, and entered with all the manly earnestness of his nature 
upon the duties of a Christian life. Asking at once for sometldng 
to do^ he was set to work in the mission school, in which he was 
a diligent lal)orer, so long as he remained in this city. At the 
first breaking out of the war he entered the army, impelled by a 
sense of duty. He did not wait for a commission, but enlisted 
as a p'ivate, and made his way up without any patronage or 
family influence, solely by the force of his own talents, his cour- 
age and prompt devotion to duty. It w^as at once seen that he 
was no ordinary man, and his promotion was rapid. It was his 
fortune to be in all the campaigns of the army of the Potomac. 
He fought in twenty battles, and was ahvays foremost, seeking 
the post of danger, and inspiring his men by his own. heroic 
example. But not only was he thus brave, he was always also a 
Christian soldier. He did not forget, amid the excitements and 
dangers of a militarv life, that he was a soldier under another 
Captain. His courage was inspired and animated by religion. 
The fear of God cast out all other fear. He was always active 
for the welfare of his men, visiting them in their tents, dissuading 



84 BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. EICE. 

them from the vices of the camp, and l)idding them, amid the 
perils of war, remember their homes, their families and their 
God. As a testimony to his example, Dr. Adams read from a 
letter to the ' Evening Post,' written but two or three Aveeks 
since by one of the editors, who, on a visit to the army, saw and 
admired this noble Christian soldier, the Havelock of our army. 
Owing to such a consistent life, he had great influence over his 
men. They became known, like the Ironsides of Cromwell, as a 
God-fearing regiment. They were ready to follow where he led 
the w^ay. In the late battles, out of eighteen hundred men whom 
he commanded, he lost eight hundred before he met his own end. 

" At last death, for which, like Havelock, it had been the study 
of his life to be ' always prepai'ed,' found him on the field. It 
was on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 10, his men drawn up in 
line, and while resting on their arms the mail arrived, bringing 
him a letter from his wife. He read it, and scarcely had he 
finished it before the order came to 'advance.' He placed him- 
self at the head of his column and led his men to the charge; and 
thus, ' foremost fighting, fell.' As he was borne from the field 
he was met by Gen. Me^vde, who, seeing him, dismounted, came 
and spoke to him tenderly, as one whom he loved, lamenting his 
w^ound and hoping it might not prove serious. But the brave 
soldier, who felt the life blood rapidly flowing from his wound, 
and knew that his hour had come, answered calmly that he had 
tried to do his duty, and was ready to die for his countr}^ The 
reply of his conmiander deserves to be remembered: ' Would 
that all had done it as faithfully, and were as well prepared.' 
The wound was mortal. A Minnie rifle ball had penetrated the 
thigh, and though the leg was at once amputated, the flow of 
blood was too great. He lived but two hours. As he grew 
unconscious, his young aid knelt by his side, and putting his lips 
to his ear, wdiispered his last prayer; and so he died. 

"This simple narrative, given by his pastor with so manj' de- 
tails, and with extracts from his letters showing his character, 
was listened to by this vast audience with the deepest interest. 
Many times the recital melted all to tears. The service con- 
tinued for two hours, and at the close they lingered still longer, 



BRIG. GEN. J^VMES C. RICE. 85 

to avail themselves of the privilege given them, of looking for 
the last time upon the face of the heroic dead. 

" So has fallen one of the manliest, the bravest, and the best, 
who have risen up to defend our country in this hour of peril. 

" Shall we say that he died too soon? Too soon, indeed, for 
us; but for him, not a day nor an hour. He fell in the prime 
of manhood — only thirty-four years old; but he died in a right- 
eous cause, with a pure conscience, at peace with God; leaving 
an example which Avill be to others a model and an ins})iration. 
Long will the grateful hearts of his soldiers, of his comrades in 
arms, and of Christian brothers, as well as his own kindred, 
cherish his memory." 

FUNERAL SERVICES AT ALBANY. 

TJie Death of Gen. Rice — Order from Gov. Seymour. 

General Head Quarters, State of New Yoi;k, } 
Albany, May 14, 18(J4. ] 

General Order, No. — . I announce with pain, the loss of 
General James C. Eice. - 

Young, brave, ardent, enthusiastic, he engaged in the support 
of the flag of his country, and in the suppression of the rel)ellion 
against the constitutional authorities, as a duty demanding the 
devotion of body and soul, and the willing sacrifice of life. 

Ever faithful to his trust, he ^vas the gallant leader of his 
command, and, in the midst of a brilliant career, he fell upon the 
battle field, leaving to his companions in arms, to his friends 
and his country, a character of unsullied Christian patriotism. 
As a mark of respect for his memory, the National Flag will l)e 
displayed at half-mast on the Capitol, and upon all the arsenals 
of the State, on Monday, the 16th instant. 

HOEATIO SEYMOUE, 
Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 

J. I. Johnson, A. A. A. G. 

Military Funeral of Gen. Rice. 

The military funeral of Gen. Eice took j)lace at half past four 
P. M., May 16, after the services at the house. The body was 



86 BRIG. GEN. JAjNIES C. RICE. 

borne to the capitol, preceded by the bearers, J^vmes Martin, 
Wm. Cassidy, ^y^L KiDD, Wm. Barnes, Paul Cushm.vn, E. C. 
Bachelder, George B. Steele, Chas. Crafts, Isa^vc Edwards, 
Samuel Williams, Robert H. Waterman and Chas. H. Strong, 
where it rcniaiiied until it was borne to the receiving vault. The 
military l)earers were, Generals Rathbone and Danforth, Cols. 
AiNSWoRTH and Chamberlain, Lieut. Colonel Friedlander, and 
Major McKowN. 

The military pageant was imposing. It consisted of the 
Twenty-lifth Regiment, under command of Col. Church; Gov. 
Seymour and staff, in uniform; members of the common council; 
prominent citizens, and personal friends of the deceased. The 
procession moved up Washington avenue, and thence to the re- 
ceiving vault, where a volley was tired over the grave, and an 
impressive address was delivered, closing with the following 
beautiful lines, written and pronounced by Rev. Dr. P2y:.MER: 

Rest, soldier — rest! thy wearj' task is done; 

Thy God — thy country — thou hast served them well ; 

Thine is true giory — glory bravely won; 

On lips of men unborn thy name shall dwell. 

Rest, Patriot-Christian! Thou hast early died, 
But days are measured best by noble deeds; 
Brief though thy course, thy name thou hast allied 
To those of whom the World, admiring, reads. 

Rest, manly form! Eternal love shall keep 
Thy still repose, till breaks the final dawn; 
Our Martyr stays not here — He knew no sleep ! 
On Death's dark shadow burst a cloudless morn. 

Live! live on Fame's bright scroll, heroic friend! 
Thy memory, now, we to her record give — 
To earth thy dust: Our thoughts to Heaven ascend, 
Where, with the immortals, thou dost ever live! 

The following beautiful tribute is from J. G. Holland, Esq.: 

TO THE MEMORY OF MY FRIEND, BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES C. RICE. 

Moaning upon the bloody plain. 
The young and gallant soldier lay; 
And from his failing heart and brain 
The life was ebbing swift away 



BEIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 87 

The restlessness of death was there — 
The weariness that longed for rest — 
The beaded brow, the matted hair, 
The hurried pulse, the heaving breast. 

" Turn me,'' he said, ' that I may die 
Face to the foe!" and ready hands 
And loyal hearts were waiting by, 
To execute his last commands. 

Facing the enemy, lie died — 

A hero in his latest breath; 

And now, with mingled love and pride. 

I weep, and boast his glorious death. 

No braver words than these, my friend. 
Have ever sealed a soldier's tongue; 
No nobler words hath history penned; 
No finer words hath poet sung. 

The oak that breaks beneath the blast, 
Or falls before the woodman's strokes, 
Spreads by its fall the ripened mast 
That holds in germ a thousand oaks. 

And in the words thy death hath strewn, 
More than thy /alien life survives; 
For o'er the Nation they are sown — 
Seeds for a thousand laoble lives. 



BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 



III. 

BREVET BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT.* 

Colonel Lewis Benedict, the subject of this sketch, son of 
Lea\'is Benedict and Susan Stafford, his wife, was born in 
Albany, New York, September 2d, 1817. 

His early studies were pi'osecuted at Aurora, Cayuga county, 
N. Y.; but his preparation for college was made mainly at the 
Albany academy. In 1834, he entered the sophomore class at 
Williams college, and was graduated in 1837. Thence he Avent 
into the office of the late John C. Spencer, at Canandaigua, and 
read law. In January, 1841, in All)any, he was licensed as 
attorney at law, and subsequently was admitted as counselor in 
the State and Federal courts. In 1845, he was appointed city 
attorney; and was reappointed for a second term. In 1847, he 
was appointed Judge Advocate General on the staff of Governor 
John Young. In 1848, he was elected surrogate of the city and 
county of All)any, for a term of four years, by a majority of 
seventeen hundred votes — his entire vote greatly exceeding the 
party strength. In 1849, he received the appointment of Judge 
Advocate General from Governor ILoiilton Fish. In the fall 
of the year 1860, the Union men of his district nominated him 
for meml)er of assembly, and elected him l)y a majorit}" of nearly 
four hundred votes. He was the only Union candidate elected 
fi-om the county at that time. This was the last jiublic position 
of a civil character held hy him. 

Both the beginning and end of his life develop the same char- 
acteristics. As a boy, he was noted for zeal and diligence in 
study, and not less for enterprise in play. The records of the 

* For gallant conduct at Port Hudson, the Government conferred the rank of Brevet 
Brigadier General on Colonel Benedict. 




'/// 



"^"g-^bvA.H.Ritc'bie- 








BVT. BEIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 89 

Albany Academy attest his successes in competitive examinations, 
and it is well rememljered by many who shared in them, how, 
after sweeping the prizes for good scholarship, he would resort 
to the play ground, and exhibit equal superiority in those games 
and contests which are alike the peril and delight of robust and 
ambitious boyhood. 

His collegiate career resembled his academic. It was success- 
ful to whatever degree he chose to make it. A classmate, now 
President of a College, describing him, says: "It is doing 
injustice to none of his classmates to say that, in mind as in 
person, he had no superior among them all. His rank as a 
scholar was higli; and he could have made it higher. His mind 
was quick and clear, and he learned with great facility. His 
critical power was unusual, and no one could detect the weak 
points of an argument, or the incorrect use of terms, sooner than 
he." He graduated with distinction, and three years after was 
chosen to deliver the Master's oration. 

While a student of law, he maintaijied sufficient ardor of pur- 
suit to enable him to acquire a knowledge of the elements of that 
science; but his taste for general literature was decided enough 
to save him from being engrossed by studies purely professional. 
His habits of critical investigation, of collation and analy- 
sis, are indicated by marginal annotations and references con- 
tained in his books. Indices rerum, diaries and memoranda of 
various sorts remain, that show his reading to have been varied, 
extensive, and always careful. They disclose an acquaintance 
with authors and topics, and also preferences and prejudices in 
respect to both, that indicate clearly the knowledge he most 
prized, and in which he was farthest advanced. They exhibit a 
degree of acquirement, of intellectual power, and mental habi- 
tudes of such tendencies, as might have justified him in adopting 
literature as a profession. It is, perhaps, well to say, that not 
the slightest expression of fondness for the one chosen for him, 
is recorded in any form, anjr^here; and later in life he did not 
scruple to say that it never was his choice. 

On his admission to the bar, Marcus T. Reynolds, then at the 
zenith of his professional fame and intellectual vigor, received 



90 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

him as his law partner, and elevated him at once to a position in 
the practice of law, not attained so often, perhaps, as foirly 
earned. Other connections and associations concurred to make 
his entrance upon his professional career one of the most pro- 
mising that could fall to the lot of a young practitioner. 

The City Attorneyship, Avhich he held two terms, appears to 
have been the tirst political appointment he received. From 
that time he was actively and earnestly a political partizan. The 
tersest record of his political labors would be the history of 
every party struggle. State or National, that occurred between 
his entrance on political life and his joining the army. He was 
always a leader. He was often delegate to conventions, State 
and county; chairman of committees, local and general; a prolihc 
author of addresses and resolutions, and a frequent speaker at 
political assemblages. 

In this department of effort he was not without occasional suc- 
cess, although the general fortune of his party in his own district 
may be said to have been adverse. Even when defeated, he com- 
monly had the compensation, if it may be called by that name, 
of appearing ]iy the election returns to have received more than 
the vote of the party that nominated him — especially was this 
so, when he was elected Surrogate. 

He was acute in his perceptions of the qualities of men, and 
accurate in his estimates of character. It is impressive to read, 
now, the memorials that exist of his early distrust of some who 
are infamous to-day, on account of the treachery and apostacy he 
dreaded and predicted. 

It can hardly be necessary to say that the principles and 
objects for which he contended through life, were essentially 
the same as those in defence of which he died. Descended, as 
he was, from Puritans, who planted Lilierty on this continent; 
from Patriots, who subsequently achieved American Independ- 
ence; and the son of one of the most active and persistent of the 
founders of a party to preserve both, when both were threatened, 
his life was the natural result of his instincts; and his death 
attests his faith in his convictions, and the unselfishness of his 
patriotism. 



BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 91 

He was early convinced that the slaveholders meant war, and 
prepared liis mind for that issne. He also regarded all attempts 
to conciliate them as very much worse than futile, and addressed 
himself to persuading others not to rely upon efforts in that 
direction. At the beginning of December, 18G0, writing to a 
friend connected with the Government, he said: "The feeling 
here is, that one concession would but pave the way for another, 
until, without saving the Union, public sentiment would be de- 
moralized." This he believed with the earnestness of a convic- 
tion, and on all occasions spoke and acted in the faith of it. As 
the rebellion became systematized and aggressive, the spirit of 
resistance rose within him: he toiled hard to arouse his fellow 
citizens to a sense of the necessity there was to provide for the 
public defence by suitable military preparations. The then 
Adjutant General of the State, John M. Read, Jr., bears testi- 
mony to the cordiality and energy with which Mr. Benedict 
seconded the efforts of the State administration to induce the 
Legislature to put the State on a war footing, early in January, 
1861 — that was, at the beginning of the session. 

He not only believed that war could not be escaped, but he 
estimated the dimensions of the struggle in a manner not common 
at that time; and, although he hailed with joy the call of the 
President for volunteers, he did not conceal his disappointment 
at the meagreness of the number invoked by the proclamation. 
Writing a few days after the issuing of that paper, he said: " The 
sentiment of the North is not satisfied by the present call for 
troops. The Government would be justified in demanding three 
hundred thousand, and the men would respond with delight. It 
is time that we should exorcise from our breasts those gentle 
spirits, brotherly love and fraternal regard, and substitute impla- 
cable determination and stern justice in their place. * * # 
We have been wronged, insulted and betrayed by false brethren; 
the flao^ of our Union disgraced, and our true brethren slain." 
This was addressed to a member of the administration. 

Upon this call. Governor Morgan, by a special message, re- 
quested the necessary action of the Legislature; which responded 
by " An Act to authorize the enil)odying and equipment of a vol- 



92 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

unteer militia, and to provide for the public defence," passed 
April 16, 1861. This Act authorized the enlistment of thirty 
thousand men, and appropriated three millions of dollars for the 
purposes of the Act. To the perfecting and carrying out of these 
measures he devoted all his energies. Loyal men abounded in 
the House, and many, as ardent as himself, lal)ored as zealously 
to the same end; still a minority was there also, whose hostility 
to warlike preparations was active and skillful enough to tax 
severely the strength and resources of the friends of the measure. 
In debate a member interrupted him thus: "I wish to ask the 
gentleman a question — if I imlu'ue my hands in my brother's 
blood, do I thereby promote the cause of liberty?" Mr. B.: "I 
will answer that question. Yes, Sir! I do promote the cause of 
liberty by slaying my brother, if, with traitorous and parricidal 
hand, he dare to tear down the flag of our common country." 

The attack upon Fort Sumter had excited him sufficiently, but 
the slaughter of Union troops by the traitors of Baltimore, and 
the cutting off the communication with the National Capital, 
greatly increased his indignation. He chanced, too, at this con- 
juncture, to visit the State whose blood, the first shed in the 
cause of the Union, was even then flowing; whose hills and val- 
leys cannot be traversed by any lover of freedom, nor her people 
communed with, without being conscious of an access of fervor 
toward liberty, and of detestation toward everything opposing it. 
To a friend connected with the Government, he wrote, April 25th: 
"I am in New England for a short visit, and have imbibed the 
spirit of determined patriotism, which is breathing over every 
city, town and hamlet within the borders of Massachusetts. 

" There is much apprehension growing out of contradictory 
reports as to the movements of troops, the strength of AYashing- 
ton and the fate of the Capitol. * * * 

" Order Wool to widen the streets of Baltimore with cannon, 
so that our road to the capital will be free. Trust no Southern 
man who is a Unionist politician. They have played a game 
with our Peace Conference, and have lulled the North to rest, 
while the South perfected its traitorous designs. 

" If the troops iu Washington are beaten, the Administration 



BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 93 

had better resign; because yon can have a million of men by 
calling for them. There is power here to crush out treason; do 
not peck it to pieces." 

While in the Legislature, it was signified to him that the 
Colonelcy of one of the early regiments would probably fall to 
him, if the power to appoint were left with the Executive, 
although he preferred and suggested another mode. Under no 
circumstances would he have accepted such a commission at that 
time. In his own judgment, he was not sufiiciently advanced in 
military science or art, to qualify him to be a safe trustee of the 
lives of a thousand men. So strongly was he impressed with 
this idea that, even when a Lieutenant Colonel in the service, he 
declined promotion actually tendered, on this ground. 

The New York Fire Department having made some progress 
toward recruiting the Second Fire Zouaves, in July, conferred 
upon him the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the proposed regiment. 
Subsequently, Willi^vm K. Breavster, late Major of the Twenty- 
eighth N. Y. S. M., was chosen Colonel. The regiment was or- 
dered to Washington, where it arrived July 24th, l)Lit it was not 
until the close of August that it joined its brigade, then at Good 
Hope, Maryland, forming part of Hooker's division. It assisted 
in building three forts, named, respectively, Carroll, Stanton and 
Greble, to command the approaches to Washington from the 
south. This regiment, at this time known as Fourth Excelsior, 
Second brigade, Hooker's division, w^as afterwards designated b}^ 
the State of New York, as the Seventy-third Regiment New York 
Volunteer Infantry. 

The winter was spent mainly in performing picket duty. It 
was found necessary to change the locality of the camp frequently. 
The roads were not only rendered impassable by frequent rains, 
but it was difficult to find firm ground enough on which to drill 
the soldiers. During these seasons of discomfort, a deep attach- 
ment was growing between the regiment and its Lieutenant 
Colonel, and was often manifested by significant tokens of 
respect and gratitude. At one time he writes: " Our regiment 
never looked as well as it did to-day, on inspection. I love it. 
Its wild boys are full of ardor and activity, and are growing 



94 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

out of their careless ways. The prospect of active service has 
brightened them up, and they are liecoming ambitious to look 
well. Contact and contrast with other troops will stimulate 
them to excel, and they can if they try," 

His knowledge of the most potential means to influence men — 
the result of his almost intuitive perceptions, and long continued 
use of such appliances on a more peaceful theatre, served him 
efficiently in his new sphere of action. With an undoubting con- 
viction that the best interests of the public service were identical 
with those of the regiment, he indulged the humane impulse of 
his nature while he executed the suggestions of his best judg- 
ment, and strengthened while he made more acceptable his 
naked military right to command, by investing it with appeals 
and claims to obedience that were neither legal nor technical, 
but stronger than either. He earned their regard and contidence, 
by kind and considerate treatment, and was rewarded by an alac- 
rity and cheerfulness of ol)edience, which is always yielded to 
power when it is exercised without caprice or inhumanity. His 
first campaign was against the hearts of his own men; and the 
completeness of his conquest was demonstrated by the incidents 
of every day, while he held his place in the regiment; and never 
more touchiugly than on the last, when some of his " wild boys" 
preferred to share the horrors of a rebel prison, rather than de- 
sert him in his helplessness on the field of Williamsburg. 

Early in April, the Seventy-third proceeded with its brigade 
to take part in such operations of the siege of Yorktown as were 
committed to the charge of Heintzelman's corps, to which it 
was attached; such operations comprising a principal share of 
the entire labor of investment. Though greatly fatigued and 
Avorn by severe picket and trench duty, the Seventy-third was 
vivacious enough to be the first to plant its colors on the ram- 
parts of Yorktown, on the morning of Sunday, May 4th, the 
enemy having evacuated the place during the previous night. 

The surrender of this fortified place, without a struggle, was 
not expected; and, deeply impressed by the grave contingencies 
inevitable to the issue he anticipated, he wrote his mother: "I 
am pained to learn that so much apprehension for my safety is 



BVT. BRIO, GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 95 

minjyled Avith the gratification you feel at my being in a position 
to do service to my country. I know it is impossible for a 
mother to forget her son; but I would, if I could, inspire you 
with the pride I feel in devoting my life to the cause of freedom 
and the Union. Thus far, though I have endeavored to do, as far 
as my frail nature would permit, my duty to man, I know I have 
not forgotten myself as I should in many instances have done; 
but in the struggle soon to be inaugurated here, the opportunity 
will be oiven me to furnish unmistakable evidence that I am 
animated by the noblest sentiments — that I can resign life that I 
love, that my country may again enjoy the blessings of peace and 
the development of its beneficent principles of government. 
Politically acting, I have sought its weal; personally, my life 
belongs to it in its woe; so I view the result of the battle with 
complacency. If I survive, as I hope I will, no fortune in future 
life can destroy my consciousness of having periled life for right; 
and if I fall, through all the grief you and our dear ones will 
feel, will breathe the consolation that I was a soldier fighting in 
a just cause. Let that feeluig, dear mother, console you, as it 
reconciles me to this war." 

The retreating enemy made a stand at Williamsburg, wdthin 
the second line of works above Yorktown. The bastioned fort 
Magruder, and thirteen other formidable earthworks, could only 
be approached through an abatis of felled trees five hundred feet 
in breadth. Behind them, as was then supposed, two-thirds of 
the whole rebel army confronted the Union forces. At noon, on 
Tuesday, May 4, Hooker's division started in pursuit. The 
second brigade marched about eight miles, and bivouacked in 
the woods. It rained hard during the night, and by daylight the 
roads had become nearly impassable, the men drenched, weary, 
hungry and cold. At six a. m., Monday, 5th, the rain still fall- 
ing in torrents, the pursuit wa.s resumed, and about 7^ a. m. the 
first and third brigades encountered the enemy. The second 
brigade (Excelsior) was posted in reserve, and the first and third 
brigades having been forced back by overwhelming numbers, 
after some hours of hard fighting, it was ordered into action. 

This is not the place or occasion to assume to decide the mani- 



96 BVT. BRIG, GEN. LEAVIS BENEDICT. 

fold controversies to which the origin and conduct of the battle 
of Williamsburg gave rise; but of facts which appear clear 
through the smoke and dust of the contention, it may not he im- 
proper to record one or two. Hooker's division Avas left without 
support from early morning until nearly nightfall, to contend 
with a vastly more numerous force, protected by formidable de- 
fences, while General Sumner was aware of the situation, and his 
corps of thirty thousand men was lying supinely within hearing 
of the thunder of the unequal contest; the main body of the 
army of the Potomac being all the while within four hours' 
march of the same point, and the commanding general, IvIcClel- 
LAN, not arriving on the lield until near the close of the battle. 
Hooker lost one in six — a loss proportionate to that of the allied 
armies at the Alma, the bloodiest battle in modern European 
history. The Excelsior brigade went into action with al)out two 
thousand four hundred men, and lost seven hundred and seventy- 
three, about one-half of the entire loss sustained by Hooker's 
division. 

Hooker's left was the point that the rebel general in command, 
Joseph E. Johnston, especially desired to turn, and through- 
out the clay it was vehemently and persistently assailed. It was 
also the point that Hooker, aware of its importance, determined 
should not be turned; hence the desperateness of the fighting. 
The Seventy-third and the Seventy-fourth New York, the last 
remaining regiments of the reserve, were moved up to rein- 
force the left. It Avas in the execution of this purpose that 
Lieut. Col. Benedict was taken prisoner. Col. Brewster, of 
his regiment, wrote: "From the position in which I last saw 
him, which was upon the extreme left of the regiment, when we 
Avere driven back some time before the right and centre gaA^e 
Avay, I think he must have been taken prisoner at that time. He 
was at the head of the line, encouraging the men, driving up, 
with pistol in hand, those who seemed inclined to hang back, 
and acting in the braA^est manner." A correspondent of the "New 
York Tribune," Avriting from the field, said: "I have just re- 
turned from the spot where Lieut. Col. Benedict was taken. It 
is in the densest heart of the abatis, and close in front of the rifle 



BVT. BEIG. GEN. LEAVIS BENEDICT. 97 

pits. The bark of the trunks and branches of the trees is cheq- 
uered white with musket balls and grape. The idea prevailing 
in his regiment is, that he got to the front; that a charge drove 
his men back, and he was captured for his exchangeable value 
instead of being killed." His own account, written from Libby 
prison, was: " My horse was wounded early in the fight, though 
I rode him some time afterward. After I dismounted, we made 
our way into the felled timber, and, when our line was broken, 
I was taken prisoner." 

A principal cause of his capture became known afterwards. 
While in Mar3dand, his horse had fallen with him, seriously 
injuring his foot and ankle. He was unable to w^alk without 
support when he went into action at Williamsburg, and the 
general judgment of his men w^as, that he w^as unfit to take the 
hazards of the battle field. So long as his horse served his pur- 
poses of locomotion, he did pretty well, but the moment he dis- 
mounted he was at o-reat disadvantao;e. The abatis of felled 
timber throuoh which he was aided to clamber, in order to reach 
the open field beyond, which was studded with rifle pits, was 
more than four hundred feet in breadth, and when he and his 
men were overwhelmed by the enemy, it presented an insur- 
mountable barrier to his retreat. There is reason to believe 
that some who were captured with him might have escaped, as 
others did, but that they were unwilling to abandon the idol of 
their camp, when he was too lame to move without assistance. 
Such certainly was his own idea; for a few days later, while in 
prison in Richmond, he contrived to get into the hands of those 
men who were released on parol, a slip of paper containing these 
words: " Good hje and good luck to the Seventy-third New York 
prisoners! It pleases me more to have you free, than it would to 
be released myself; for I know that if it had not been for my 
helplessness, you would not be here. If you see any of our regi- 
ment, remember me to them. Good bye, and God bless you!" 

From Williamsburg he was hurried to Richmond as rapidly 
as his condition would allow. On his way thither, he was fortu- 
nate enough to be in the custody of humane and placable foes, 
who, in consideration of his inability to walk, suflered him to 

7 



98 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

ride on horseback. The condition of affairs within the enemy's 
lines inspired him with something stronger than Iiope — tliat he 
would be recaptured by Union troops before he could be trans- 
ported to Eichmond. On every side evidences abounded that 
the enemy felt himself utterly defeated, and was concerned about 
nothing so much as providing for his own retreat. His reason- 
able expectation was not, however, realized; and on the ninth, 
he found himself, with many other Union officers, in the Eebel 
Capital, shut up in a filthy pork-packing establishment, since 
recognized and cursed as the Libby prison. Ilei'e he was first 
insulted and plundered. 

A natural consequence of the physical exertions compelled hy 
the exigencies of the battle and the capture, was, that the injured 
foot and ankle became immoderately swollen, and the seat of 
excruciating pain. It was always a pleasant recollection to him, 
and it still abides with liis friends, that in this condition he re- 
ceived much Idndness and attention from his fellow prisoners, 
some of whom were well known to him, who seemed to forget 
their own misery in assiduous attempts to alleviate his. 

Under an expectation that the Union forces would take pos- 
session of the city, which the army of treason felt constrained to 
abandon, the rebel authorities, on the fifteenth of May, hurried 
the Union prisoners from this den to Salisbury, A^orth Carolina. 
They were transported on uncovered platform cars, rudely fitted 
with rough board benches. Thus they were exposed at every 
point on the route, where there was rabble enough to deride and 
insult them. The place to which they were now transported, 
was found to be a much more healthful locality, and the prison 
buildings vastly more commodious than those of Eichmond. A 
most welcome appurtenance to these structures was an enclosure 
of some ten or twelve acres, in which, under rather stringent 
regulations, the prisoners were allowed to take air and exercise. 
Another grateful improvement upon the regime at Eichmond 
was, that their rebel custodians exhibited some decency of de- 
meanor, and although the fare was both meagre and scanty, sup- 
plies could be obtained from without l)y the payment of exor- 
bitant prices. 



BVI. ERIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 99 

Under date of June 28, 1862, writing from this prison, he 
said: "I have nothing agreeable to communicate, except that I 
continue in good health. Our hopes are raised on the slightest 
rumor or remotest incident, that we shall be soon paroled or 
exchanged; but we are constantly disappointed. This produces 
various effects upon those contincd here. * * * j belong to 
another class, who, adopting the philosophy of Pope, take com- 
fort in the belief that ' whatever is, is right.' I have the utmost 
reliance on our Government. Its capacity and energy have been 
exhibited in prosecuting the most remarkable campaign the 
world has ever seen, for valuable results, and in extent of country 
passed over by our armies. I value m3^self too little, to suppose 
that nothing has been done because I am left here a prisoner. I 
imagine the world may be moving and doing a very respectable 
stroke of business, though I am taking no part in it. I am far 
happier in such a thought than I should be in nourishing the con- 
ceits of an exaggerated self-importance." 

The l)itterest element in the cup of his captivity touched his 
lips, when it was nearly drained and was about to pass from him. 
Just before his exchange he learned that a heart, that had been 
grievously wrung by his imprisonment, was not to be soothed 
by his release. More than a month before the sorrowful intelli- 
gence penetrated his prison, his father, whom he revered as well 
as loved, had died. 

Under a cartel, he left Salisbury en route for the Union lines. 
Arriving opposite to Richmond, the prisoners were turned out 
on Belle Isle, and left to pass the night on the bare ground with- 
out shelter of any sort. This exposure of debilitated men to the 
damps and chills of the night, entailed consequences not imme- 
diately apparent. Thence they were taken to the Libby prison, 
well remembered by most of them for its filthiness and discom- 
fort, which they found in a far more loathsome and pestilential 
condition than when they left it. The sick and wounded of our 
army, whose low condition precluded them from the present 
benefits of exchange, lay there, with nothing between their tor- 
tured and languishing bodies and the reeking floor, without 
blankets or sheets, and some without even a shirt to cover them, 



100 BVT. BEIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

with no iioiirishmcnt ])ut the coarse prison rations, wretched in 
quality and wholl}' insufKcient in quantity. This sorrowful sight 
so alFected the exchanged officers, that they contributed money, 
and divested themselves of blankets, overcoats, and indeed of all 
their surplus clothing, for the relief (»f their suffering countrymen. 

Under the impression that, in care of Federal authorities, shel- 
terless nights in transitu from Richmond to Washington needed 
not to be provided against, he had devoted his last overcoat to 
the service of the sick and naked of Libby prison. He found him- 
self, however, on a damp, misty night, on the open deck of the 
U. S. transport, on the James river, with insufficient clothing, 
afraid to lie down, and too weak to stand \\\). What wonder, then, 
that he sunk down where he stood, and arose wet and shivering, 
to lie down again at no distant day, with that form of fever that 
filled more hospitals and graves from the army of the Potomac, 
than all the other casualties of the war combined. 

On the 20th of August he reached Washington. The effect 
upon his mind, of his southern experience and observation, 
is quite apparent in some statements extracted from him by 
reporters, and published at the time. " Col. Benedict is eager, 
and in this he says he expresses the desire of all who came 
with him from Rebeldom, to get to work again. He will com- 
mand a regiment, if he can get one; if not, he will resume his 
old position. He says, and others too, that are with him, say, 
that the harshest measures towards the rebels are the l^est. He 
spurns conciliation, and cries, ' War to the knife.' He believes in 
emancipation as a means of crushing the rebellion. The slaves, 
he says, are all our friends, and show their friendship toward 
Union prisoners in all safe waj^s. * * * The confiscation and 
emancipation act is, in Col. Benedict's judgment, the most ter- 
rible weapon the North has yet drawn. The rebels wince at it 
as it stands on the statute book, only executed in part as it is." 

After reporting at the War Department, he received leave of 
absence for thirty days, in order to visit his home. On Saturday 
evening, August 23d, he reached Albany. In anticipation of his 
coming, his townsmen had arranged to receive him in a manner 
strikingly expressive of their approbation of his conduct, and sym- 



BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. lOt 

patliy with his sufferings, as well as their satisfaction at his return. 
The orator chosen for the occasion, his cherished friend, Hon. 
Lyman Tremain, with words of welcome on his lips, was in wait- 
ino- with a numerous array of friends; l)ut when he emero-ed from 
the car, trem1)lino- and tottering, unable to stand Avithout sup- 
port, his appearance shocked the beholders, and put a sudden 
joeriod to all the schemes for a formal reception. His long sub- 
jection to the influence of impure air, and bad as well as insuffi- 
cient food, had unquestionably predisposed him to disease; but 
the exposure at Belle Isle and on the Government transport on 
the James, had put a match to the train that now reached the 
maoazine. He was burnino; with fever, and was at once carried 
home. It required skillful treatment and assiduous mirsing to 
enal)le him to execute his fixed purpose, to return to the service 
at the earliest practical)le moment. 

During this continement, Gov. Morgan, in the kindest manner, 
tendered him the Colonelcy of the One Hundred and Sixty- 
second N. Y. V. Infantry, then in process of being recruited. 
His resignation of the Lieut. Colonelcy of the Seventy-third New 
York, was accepted, to qualify him to receive this promotion; 
and his exchange was announced, officially, September 30, 1862. 

On the 9th of September, though still quite infirm, he had 
proceeded to New York, to supervise the concerns of the new' 
regiment. This was the third, raised under the jiatronage of the 
Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police. By the latter part 
of October, his regiment had attained proportions to entitle it to 
take the field; and for that purpose, on the 24th of that month, 
it was ordered to Washington. After spending some time in 
various camps in the vicinity of the city, he was directed to em- 
bark it at Alexandria, Virginia, for Fortress Monroe, the rendez- 
vous of the forces assembled for what is commonly called the 
Banks Expedition. 

To a brother he wrote: "I shall merit a good fate, if earnest 
endeavors will secure it; at any rate, I wdll always be consoled 
by knowing that warm hearts will exult in my honorable efforts, 
and mourn if I fall doing my duty. While I believe I am en- 
gaged in a sacred war for moral, political and religious right, 



102 BVT, BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

and am certain it will be prosecuted to the bitter end — to the 
sul^jngation of secession — I will be conlident and fearless; but if 
the time come when compromise is tolerated, expect rae home. 
I will never support a war which is to end in any event except 
the establishment, in its entirety, of the authority of the Govern- 
ment. My life, and that includes all, is at the service of the 
Union, but not one hair of my head will be given voluntarily for 
any modification of it." 

He sailed from Hampton Roads, December 3d, under sealed 
orders, not to be opened before approaching the mouth of the ]Mis- 
sissippi; and opening his orders at Ship Island, he learned his 
destination to be New Orleans, wdiere he arrived December 15, 
1862. On reporting at head quarters, he w^as ordered to disem- 
bark his men at Camp Parapet, some eight miles above, and 
assume command of the post, which was garrisoned liy several 
regiments and batteries. 

About the 10th of January, 1863, he w^as ordered w^ith his 
regiment to Donaldsonville, some sixty miles above New^ Orleans, 
to hold that place, w^hile Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, wdio had been 
lying at Thibodeaux, marched on Brashear city and other points 
on Bayou Teche; it being apprehended that the enemj', taking 
advantage of Weitzel's absence in that quarter, might gain his 
rear, thus endangering him and our possession of the Mississippi 
river. Col. Benedict remained at Donaldsonville until the 25th, 
when Weitzel, having accomplished his purposes, the necessity 
to strengthen the regular garrison ceased, and he returned with 
his command to the Parapet. 

His command at this post was his first service as an acting 
Brigadier. The anomalous condition of affairs in the surround- 
ing district, and the entire al^sence of civil or social authority, 
imposed on military commanders much besides professional duty. 
In so disturbed a state of society, military vigilance could not be 
relaxed, if the public enemy were not immediately at hand — 
elements that needed watchful care w^ere always present. Every 
day brought with it occasion for the exercise of sound judgment, 
moderation and presence of mind; for there was neither code to 
prescribe, nor precedent to follow\ He was foi'luiiate euougli, 



BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 103. 

ill this difficult position, to satisfy his superiors, by his diligence 
in niilittuy matters, and b}" his discretion in such afhdrs as were 
rather civdl and administrative in character. 

Having suffered acutel}" for many weeks from an ailment, to 
be relieved only by a difficult surgical operation, on the Otli of 
March he obtained leave of absence to go north, to receive proper 
surgical treatment. 

He arrived in New York March 16th, and at once underwent 
the needed operation, convalescing so rapidly that he reembarked 
April 23d, and joined his regiment May 11th at Alexandria, La. 
He had barely landed, however, and Avas receiving the congratu- 
lations of his friends, when he was knocked down by a frightened 
horse and his leg so injured that he was obliged to return to the 
boat, and remain in it while it made a trip to Brashear city and 
back. 

His march to Alexandria was said to be a ruse on the part of 
Gen. Banks to induce the rebels to believe Shreveport was his 
objective point. On the 17th, the army retraced its steps to 
Cheneyville, and thence mtide a forced march to Scmmesport, on 
the Atchafalaya, about ten miles from the Red river. At this 
point Col. Benedict came up with the army and took command 
of the brigade. The troops moved up the Atchafalaya to its 
source and the junction of the Red and Mississippi rivers, thence 
down the latter to Morganzia, where the army crossed the river 
to Bayou Sara, ten miles above Port Hudson. 

At Morganzia, May 23d, he was detached with the One hun- 
dred and tenth N. Y., two companies of cavalry, and a section 
of the Sixth Mass. artillery, to occupy and hold an important 
position, directly opposite Port Hudson, called indifferently 
Hermitage or Fausse Point. Just here there is a bend in the 
river, and a swampy flat projects far into the stream, making the 
point. Au insignificant hamlet, named Hermitage, is seen on 
the banks of the Fausse river, from which the point obtains its 
name. From its relative position. Port Hudson invested, this 
locality would have been invaluable to the beleaguered garrison, 
furnishing a convenient avenue for retreat, if that were expedient, 
or for strengthening itself by communication with friends on the 



104 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT, 

opposite side of the river, beside offering a very eligible location 
for batteries. To prevent such or any nse of it l)y the rebels was 
the duty he was sent to perform, A signal station was discov- 
ered in the neiglil)orhood, and captured with seven men of the 
signal corps of the enemy. By means of the cavalry, he swept 
the country in his rear and kept it free from small hostile par- 
ties, at the same time collecting information for use at headquar- 
ters. His position was frequently shelled out without serious 
results, though some very narrow escapes were experienced. 

Under orders he yielded this command to Gen. Sage, of the One 
hundred and tenth N. Y,, and proceeded to join his regiment 
before Port Hudson, arriving in his camp June 13th, in the 
evening. He was immediately put in command of the One hun- 
dred and seventy-fifth N, Y., Col. Bryan, the Twenty-eighth 
Maine and Forty-eighth Mass., which, together with his own regi- 
ment, One hundred and sixty-second N. Y., under Lieut. Col. 
Blanchard, constituted the Second brigade of the Second divi- 
sion of the Nineteenth corps, under command of Gen. Dwight. 
At twelve o'clock that night orders were issued for an attack at 
day-break by the entire line of investment. At one a. m. Col. 
Benedict moved his brigade still farther to the left, opposite 
the lower sally-port of the enemy. On information received from 
a deserter, that there was a straight and plain road to this sally- 
port, and that the enemy's works were then quite practical)le, 
Gen, Dwight ordered the left to assault at that point. By some 
miscarriage, orders failed to reach the Twenty-eighth Maine, and 
the brigade went into action Avith three regiments, numbering 
only five hundred and eighty-two men. 

The attack was commenced by the First brigade, under Col. 
Clark, of the Sixth Mich., which in a few moments was thrown 
into disorder. Gen. Dwight then ordered Col. Benedict to 
advance his brigade to the assistance of Col. Clark, and to make 
the attack "in column of companies." On reaching the open 
ground, which rose gently towards the enemy's works, upon 
which the column entered from a wood, under cover of which it 
had formed, it was met by a terrific fire of shot and shell; and a 
little farther on it came under a cross-fire of artillerv that was 



BVT. BRIG. GEX. LEWIS BENEDICT. 103 

almost insupportable. Still, lie urged the column on, passing 
Clakk's brigade, to the verge oj3posite to the sally-port, only, 
however, to Hud himself confronted by a ravine between him and 
the enemy's works, made impassable by felled timber, and ex- 
posed to a withering fire of all arms. He halted the column and 
ordered the men to seek cover — retreat threatening annihilation, 
while further advance was absolutely impracticable. Coolly sur- 
veying the hostile works from the brink of the ravine, he retraced 
the perilous road, for being without an aid for the purpose, he 
was compelled to report in person the critical situation of his com- 
mand to Gen. DwiGHT, who, recognizing the necessity, ordered 
the brigade to lie where it was until the shades of nioht mio-jit 
cover its withdrawal. After reporting he rejoined his men, 
having gone and returned through a tornado of shot and shell 
untouched. 

The sufierings of that day will never be forgotten in this life 
by any who shared or witnessed them. From morning until 
night the men lay under a burning sun, exhausted by fetigue, 
maddened by thirst, and nuyiy agonized by wounds. The slightest 
manifestation of life made the exhibitor a target for a volley from 
the sharpshooters of the enemy, wdio crowded the works that 
crowned the field. The assault failed elsewhere throughout the 
lines, as it did here, and as might be expected from the manner 
of the fighting. The casualties were numerous and severe. It 
was in this advance that the brave Col. Bryan, of the One hundred 
and seventy-fifth N. Y., fell. The One hundred and sixty-second 
N. Y., his own regiment, which led the brigade, lost, in killed, 
wovmdecl and missing, fifty-one out of one hundred and seventy- 
three in action. Major Jajvies H. Bogart was among the killed. 

At seven p. m. the brigade was withdrawn. The calm l^ravery 
displayed by Col. Benedict on this occasion attracted much 
notice, and excited the admiration of all who beheld it; and par- 
tial as may be the pen that records this memorial of it, it is 
exceed(>d in strength of eulogy by many less interested com- 
mentators. An ofiicer's letter to a friend says: " When about 
three hundred jurds from the works I was struck. The pain 
was so intense I could not go on. I turned to my second lieu- 



106 BVT. BEIG. GEX. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

tenant as he came np to me and said: ' Never mind me, Jack, for 
God's sake, jump to the colors! ' I do not recollect anything 
more until I heard Col. Benedict say, ' Up men, and forward.' I 
looked and saw the regiments lying flat to escape the fire, and 
Col. Benedict standing there, the shot striking on every side 
about him, and he never flinching. It was grand to see him. I 
wish I was of iron nerve as he." Adjutant Meech, of the TAventy- 
sixth Conn., writing to his friends, says: "I saw Col. Benedict 
standing just in front of me, when I was wounded, on the edge 
of the ravine, looking intently at the rebel works, while the bul- 
lets and shells Avere flying about pretty thick. He w^alked to the 
rear as composedly as if out for a stroll." 

The following day, June 15th, Gen. Banks called for a thou- 
sand volunteers to form a column to storm the enemy's works. 
Oflicers who might lead the column were assured of promotion; 
and all, both oflicers and privates, were promised medals of com- 
memoration, and that their names should "be placed in general 
orders on the roll of honor." High on this roll would have 
appeared the name of Col. Lewis Benedict. Col., now Gen., 
Birge, of Mass., volunteered, and by virtue of seniority was 
assiirned to conmiand the First battalion of the stormers. Col. 
Benedict volunteered to lead the Second battalion, and his ofler 
w^as accepted. The fall of Vicksburg, however, constrained the 
I'cbel Gen. Gardner to surrender Port Hudson, and so the for- 
lorn hope lost the opportunity to illustrate its bravery and patri- 
otism. 

Springfield Landing, some four miles below Port Hudson, was 
the base of supplies for the investing army. The safety of these 
stores, upon which that of the army depended, became imperiled l)y 
the aggressions of Logan's cavalry, and some small successes, in the 
way of plundering and burning, and it was apprehended that they 
might invite serious attacks by larger l)odies of the enemy. The 
Second brigade having become reduced by casualties and details 
to a single battalion, Col. Benedict was relieved of that command 
and ordered to the protection of this important depot soon after 
the battle of the 14th of June. He had just completed a piirapet 
for that object wlicii the surrender of I'ort Hudson took place. 



BVT. BRIG. GEX. LEWIS BENEDICT. 107 

He was in attendance on the ceremonies of that siirrender, and 
thus described some ol)jects of peculiar interest to him, which 
the occasion o-ave him opportunity to observe: " We entered the 
works by the road over which we advanced to assault them on 
the 14th of June; and, as I rode along, I congratulated my- 
self that our progress then had l)een checked, although the storm 
of gi-ape and bullets cost my brigade the lives of more than a 
hundred of its best men, a Colonel, a Major and several other 
valuable officers. A glance at the ground showed that our 
assault nuist have been unsuccessful. The natural difficulties of 
the i)osition were veiy great, and they had been augmented by 
the rebels, with all they j)ossessed of means or skill." 

Soon after this, Col. Benedict was detailed to serve on a suc- 
cession of Courts Martial convened in New Orleans. His profes- 
sional acquirements and training made him a desiral)le member 
of tribunals of this character. 

About the middle of August, while at New Orleans, Gen. 
Ranks reorganized the army of the department. The One hun- 
Ircd and sixty-second N. Y.j One hundred and tenth X. Y., Oue 
hundred and sixty-fifth N. Y. and Fourteenth Maine were consti- 
tuted the First brigade. Third division of the Nineteenth army 
corps, and Col. Benedict was assigned to command it. 

He reached his command at Baton Eouge September 1st, and 
on the 4th sailed in the R. C. Winthrop from New Orleans for 
the place of rendezvous for the vessels of an expedition, which 
was off Berwick Bay. The land forces consisted of the Nineteenth 
Corps, and the transports were conveyed by a naval force, con- 
sisting of four light draft gunboats, the Clifton, Arizona, Granite 
City and Sachem, the whole under command of Maj. Gen. W. B. 
Fkanklin. It turned out that the object of the expedition was 
to capture and occupy Saldne City, at the mouth of the river 
of that name. The entire fleet was directed to make Sabine 
l^iss by midnight of the 7th, in order that the attack might 
be made early on the morning of the 8th. This was not ac- 
complished, however, for, owing to the absence of the block- 
ading vessel, which was relied on to indicate the point, the fleet 
ran by in the night, and thus necessitated a change of both the 



108 BVT. BPJG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

time and manner of the attack, which finally took place on the 
evening of the 8th. The Pass proved to be snfficiently forti- 
fied, and was defended with audacity enough to defy such demon- 
strations as were made on behalf of the expedition; so that, after 
sacrificing two of the gunboats, the Clifton and Sachem, the most 
serviceable of all, in view of the shallowness of the waters, the 
fleet returned to New Orleans, to the infinite disgust of the sol- 
diers who expected to fight, and equally to the sorrow and disap- 
pointment of a multitude of refugees, who sorely needed an 
opposite result. It was said that this bootless expedition was 
not favored by the most experienced oflicers in the department, 
who preferred Brownsville as a base of operations. 

Col. Benedict shared in the general regret, caused by such 
barrenness of creditable results from an enterprise which had 
inspired high hopes, founded largely on the tried bravery of the 
Nineteenth Corps. The reaction, however, created in all, both 
ofiicers and men, a burning desire to supplant the remembrances 
of the Sabine Pass failure by other emotions, excited by some 
important success. It was, therefore, with great satisfiiction that, 
after spending four or five days in camp, at Algiers, he received 
orders to march his brigade to Brashear city, in order to partici- 
pate in some operations in Western Louisiana. These operations 
wxre designed to favor another portion of the army, sent to 
occupy Brownsville, on the Rio Grande, by compelling the rebels 
to withdraw troops from Texas, to oppose the advance of this 
one. After an unimportant skirmish near Carrion Crow Bayou, 
the Nineteenth Corps moved to Vermillionville. 

Here it was reported to Maj. Gen. Franklin that the enemy 
was concentrating forces at or near Carrion Crow Bayou, and for 
the purpose of determining their numbers and position, he 
directed Gen. A. L. Lee to make a reconnoissance with all his 
availal>le cavalry. The cavalry division, comprising two bri- 
gades of eight hundred each, started from Vermillionville for 
the Bayou in question, distant twelve miles, due north, at 6.30 
A. M., November 11th, and soon commenced driving back the 
pickets of the enemy to their reserve of six hundred. A run- 
nino; fi<>ht then ensued for (some six or eight miles, ending in 



BVT. BEIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 109 

Gcii. Lee's charging them vigorous!}', and driving them back in 
confusion to a dense wood. Nimm's Light Battery of Flying 
Artillery was quickly brought up, and after it had shelled the 
woods, Gen. Lee advanced his whole force, in line of battle 
through the woods, and found the enemy drawn up in like order 
on the opposite side of a prairie, about two miles broad, num- 
bering, as nearly as could be estimated, some seven thousand. 
Seeing that he was outnumbered four to one, and having accom- 
plished the object of his reconuoissance, Gen. Lee ordered a 
retreat. 

The enemy, detecting his intention, sent a large fanve to make 
a demonstration on his left Hank, upon which he dispatched the 
First (Col. Lucas) brigade to protect the left, while the General 
in person remained with the main column in the road. 

Col. Benedict had been ordered to advance his brigade about 
a mile beyond Vermillion Bayou, and hold himself in readiness 
to support Gen. Lee. After being in position an hour, he 
received a request from the General that he would advance up 
the road. About four miles up he was met by a message, that 
Gen. Lee was retreating before a superior enemy, and directing 
him to take a position where his force would be masked, in order 
to give Gen. Lee an opportunity to turn and make a dash at the 
enemy's cavalry. Col. Benedict selected for this purpose the 
east side of a prairie, about twelve hundred rods wide, posting 
tlie men in the ditches — NimjNi's battery in the rear of the left 
flank, and Trull's in the rear of the right, a position in which 
his eight hundred and odd could withstand five thousand. Gen, 
Lee retired behind the position to tempt the enemy into the 
open prairie; but he was too cautious, and opened with his artil- 
lery. This was replied to with vigor, and for an hour the fire 
was active, the rebels suflering severely. Then failing in an 
attempt to out-flank, they sought the cover of the fences and 
i-etired. Col. Benedict's brigade was so well protected that it 
had but one killed and four wounded. 

November 15th the army left Vermillionville, encamping for 
the night near Spanish lake, and the next day marched to New 
Iberia, where it remained in quarters until the close of the year. 



110 BYT. BEIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

Col. B.'s hrigade held the post of honor on the march, acting <rs 
rear guard to the army. 

Though not attacked on the way, it was closely followed hy 
the enemy, and had not become settled in quarters when it was 
announced that Camp Pratt, its very place of encampment the 
night before, was occupied by the enemy. A detachment was at 
once sent out, which surprised in their beds, and captured more 
than one hundred and twenty rebels. 

January 2d, 18(34, he arrived at Franklin, La., where the army 
was concentrated. Here was organized what is known and gene- 
rally deplored as the Eed Eiver Expedition. Col. Benedict was 
assio-ued to the command of the Third bris-ade of the First clivi- 
sion of the Nineteenth army corps. Maj. Gen. FRiVNKLiN com- 
manded the corps. Brig. Gen. Emory the division. 

March 15th the division moved to enter upon the Red River 
campaign, traversing the rich flats of Lower Louisiana, and skir- 
mishing slightly on the way; on the 25th it reached Alexandria, a 
cb'stance of one hundred and sixty miles. On the 27tli the march 
was continued to Natchitoches, where the army encamped on the 
31st, and awaited the arrival of the provision transports. Gen. 
Banks and Com. Portek, with his fleet, were at Grand Ecore, four 
miles above. A reconnoissance having ascertained the streno;th 
and position of the enemy at and beyond Pleasant Hill, with 
sutKcient accuracy, as was thought, the entire army marched from 
Natchitoches on the morning of April (3th. After an exhausting 
march through rain and mutl, Col. Benedict's brigade arrived at 
Pleasant Hill on the evening of the 7th, and bivouacked, the 
wagons not having come up. At eight o'clock the next morning, 
the 8th, it resumed its march, and in the afternoon encamped 
with the rest of the division at Carroll's Mill, about eleven miles 
northwest of Pleasant Hill. Hence it was summoned to Salnne 
Cross Roads, to cover the retreat of the cavalry and the Thir- 
teenth corps, which had been routed, and to check the advance 
of the enemy. The brigade was scarcely in position when it 
received the Are of the enemy, who, encouraged by previous suc- 
cesses, came on, as if already the held was won. The}^ were 
received, how^ever, l)y such a fire as put further advance out of 



BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. Ill 

the question, although they continued the attack with great 
bravery and perseverance, at a great cost of life. The mainte- 
nance of his position by Emory ^vas indispensable to the safety of 
the army, of which emergency the enemy appeared to be as con- 
scious as himself Hence their desperate determination to turn 
liis left, held l)y Col. Benedict's brigade. One vigorous eflbi-t 
that was made towards night, was so bloodily rei)ulsed, that the 
rebels not only recoiled luit fled, leaving their dead and wounded 
where they fell. In this repulse the One Hundred and Sixty- 
second New York and the One Hundred and Seventy-third New 
York were mainly instrumental, and it closed the fighting at this 
point. Col. Benedict was much commended for the cfiective 
manner in which he handled his brigade. 

" From Pleasant Grove, where this action occurred, to Plea- 
sant Hill," says Gen. Banks in his official report, "was fifteen 
miles. It was certain that the enemy, who was within reach of 
reinforcements, would renew the attack in the morning, and it 
was wholly uncertain whether the command of Gen. Smith could 
reach the position we lield,.jn season for a second engagement. 
For this reason the army, towards morning, fell back to Pleasant 
Hill, Gen. Emory covering the rear, burying the dead, bringing 
off the wounded and all the material of the army. 

" It arrived there at 8.30 on the mornino- of the 9th, effecting 
a junction with the forces of Gen. Smith and the colored brigade 
under Col. Dickey, which had reached that point the evening 
previous. Early on the 9th the troops were prepared for action, 
the movements of the enemy indicating that he was on our rear. 
A line of battle was formed in the following order: First brigade, 
Nineteenth corps, from the right resting on a ravine; Second 
briii'ade in the centre, and Third brigade on the left. The centre 
was strengthened by a brigade of Gen. Smith's forces, whose 
main force was held in reserve. The enemy moved towards our 
right flank. The Second brigade withdrew from the centre to 
the support of the First brigade. The brigade in support of the 
centre moved up into position, and another of Gen. Smith's 
brigades was posted to the extreme left position on the hill, in 
echelon, to the rear of the left main line. Lisj^ht skiruiishino- 



112 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BEXEDICT. 

occurred during the afternoon. Between four and five o'clock it 
increased in vigor, and al)out live p. m., when it appeared to have 
nearly ceased, the enemy drove in our skirmishers and attacked 
in force, his first onset being against the left. He advanced in 
two oblique lines extending well over towards the right of the 
Third l)rigade, Nineteenth corps. Alter a determined resistance, 
this part of the line gave way and went slowly back to the re- 
serves. The First and Second brigades were soon enveloped in 
front, right and rear. By skillful movements of Gen. Emory, 
the flank of the two brigades, now bearing the brunt of the bat- 
tle, was covered. The enemy pursued the brigades, passing the 
left and centre, until he approached the reserves under Gen. 
Smith, when he was met by a charge led l)y Gen. ]\Iower, and 
checked. The whole of the reserves were now ordered up, and 
in turn we drove the enemy, continuing the pursuit until night 
compelled us to halt." 

A New Englandman, an oificer in one of the New York regi- 
ments, thus describes the battle: "The enemy, finding a strong 
force on our right and centre, massed a heavy body of troops on 
our left, where our division (First) lay, and about five p. m. drove 
in our skirmishers. We immediately lay down, and waited for 
them to come out of the woods. Just as .they arrived at the edge 
of them, they halted and gave a most hideous yell — such as 
Texans and border ruffians alone can give — thinking that we 
Avould immediately fire and show our position. But in this they 
were much mistaken; for we lay still, under cover of the bushes 
in the valle}'. At that moment our artiUery sJiouJd have com- 
menced firing, hut it did not. Finding we did not fire, they 
rushed out of the woods to the broAv of the hill, and poured 
tremendous volleys upon us, at the same time rushing down the 
hill. Our brigade poured several into them, but found them 
coming in such overwhelming force that we were obliged to fall 
back. The second line seeins: us comins: back in such confusion, 
began to break, but the officers succeeded in preserving the line 
until a few volleys were fired, when it and part of the third line 
broke. The artillery then commenced firing, and we rallied, and 
immediately formed a neiv line. By this time most of the rebels 



BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 113 

were out of the avoocIs, and rushing upon us pell-mell. Now it 
Av^us our time to have something to say about it. * * * Our 
massed column pressed on and drove the frightened rebels two 
miles through the woods. In the mean time they opened on our 
right, and found more than they expected there. They charged 
upon a battery and took it, but to their sorrow; for our infantry 
opened upon them in such a terrihc cross-fire, that they fell like 
grass before the scythe, and what was left fell back. It was now 
so dark that it was impossible to distinguish one side from the 
other, and the fighting ceased. * * * jy ij^^y f^g^^i jired a 
liltJe lower ivJdle toe ivere lying in the valley, they would have 
hilled or wounded one-half of our brigaded Another officer, a 
Captain, in connection with this latter statement of opinion, says: 
"While lying down, as we were ordered to do, whole volleys 
from the rebel ranks, which came upon us five lines deep, yell- 
ing furiously, passed over us, as their aim was too high, and we 
could hear the bullets strike on the knoll in our rear." 

Maj. Gen. Franklin writes: " Col. Benedict came to my head 
quarters, about 12 m. on the 9th, to obtain permission from Gen. 
Emory and myself, to change the position of his line, indicating 
another which, in his opinion, was stronger and safer. We 
agreed to the change, and it was made." Some merits of the 
new position are developed by the preceding extracts; but a 
further obvious advantage may be stated. The whole of the 
woods in front, and the slope to the ditch at the bottom, were 
left free and clear to be shelled by the artillery without the 
slightest peril to the brigade lying among the bushes along the 
ditch, which, indeed, might have added its own fire to that of 
the artillery. The silence of this arm, at so critical a moment, 
appears remarkable, and it is not easy to resist the belief that a 
main advantage expected from the change of position was not 
realized. 

The theatre of this battle may be descril)ed as a large o})en 
field that had once been cultivated, but was then overgrown with 
weeds and bushes — many of the latter were the red rose of 
Louisiana. The moderately elevated centre of the field, from 
which the name Pleasant Hill was derived, is merely a long 

8 



114 BA'T. BRIG. GEN. LEAVIS BENEDICT. 

mound or ridge, scarcely entitled to be called a liill, that from 
its crown descends fjentlv to the ditch of which mention has been 
made. Beyond the ditch an easy acclivity rises to a belt of 
timber, which encloses it semicircularly on the side towards 
Shreveport, and ont of which the attacking forces came. The 
ditch and its fringe of shrub])ery, while it afibrded some cover, 
presented little obstruction to the passage of troops. The front 
of the position occupied by Col. Benedict's brigade, extended 
along this ditch. It was on the Pleasant Hill side of this shallow 
valley that the iinal and decisive fighting took place. On his 
way up, this locality had attracted the Colonel's attention, and he 
expressed a belief that there the rebels would be fought; and 
when some dissent was expressed, it was afterwards remem- 
l)ered that he argued the probability almost with vehemence. 
Whether this impression was merely the result of his military 
perception of the fitness of the place, or one of those shadows 
said to be cast before coming events, it is not now worth while to 
consider; but certain it was, he was doomed to illustrate in his 
own body, either the soundness of his judgment or the correct- 
ness of his apprehension. 

In the conflict on the slope, and perhaps in the melee of that 
critical moment, when the reinforced enemy caused our line to 
hesitate and even recoil, and the fortune of the day seemed 
doubtful; when by almost superhuman eflbrts on the part of the 
officers, the men were rallied to that frantic charge which gave 
victory to the Union arms and saved its army, its navy and its 
jin-isdiction of the southwest, Col. Benedict fell. 

It was only by the prompt activity of one of his officers that 
his body, pierced by five balls, was rescued from the field. Capt. 
Samuel Cowdrey, of the One Hundred and Sixty-second, aided 
by one man, conveyed it to a building, for the time appropriated 
to the uses of a hospital, and delivered it to the Surgeon in 
charge. Lieut. ViVN Wyck, of the deceased Colonel's staft'i was 
detailed to deliver it to the family of Col. Benedict, wdiich ser- 
vice he performed with equal tenderness and fidelity. 

In anticipation of its arrival, the Common Council of Albany 
had appointed a committee of its members to receive the remains 



BVT. BRIG. GEX. LEWIS BENEDICT. 115 

in New York, convey them to the city and order the arrange- 
ments for their interment. In the discharge of this dnty, it 
returned with the body on April 30th, and in deference to the 
wishes of his family, laid it in sorrow in his desolate home, rather 
than in state at the Capitol, as had been designed. 

Its presence in that house, dead, where his advent, living, had 
been so long hoped and prayed for, raised still higher the flood- 
gates of angnish, opened by the intelligence of his death. 

On Monday, May 2d, 1864, his shattered body, followed by 
sad hearts and weeping eyes, was removed from the dwelling of 
his mother to the house of the Lord; whence, after appropriate 
religious services and an eloquent commemorative address, with 
becoming civic and military honors, and many impromptu mani- 
festations of private regard and public respect, it was borne on 
its last earthly pilgrimage to the Albany Cemetery. There, he 
was laid forever to rest, within the shadow of his fiither's monu- 
ment; around him, " his martial cloak," covered with the dust of 
battle, rent by bullets and stiffened by his blood. 

The foregoing Sketch is jiiainly extracted from a Memorial, 
prepared for the use of the family of Col. Benedict, to which 
access has been kindly permitted. 



The following; Letters have been received from distino-uished 
Generals of our Army who knew Col. Benedict, and can speak 
of him from personal knowledge: 

WashinCtTON, October 14, 18G4. 

My Dear Colonel: * * * j i^^ew Col. Benedict well, 
and was near his brigade when he fell. He died bravely and 
nobly ill a battle which was terrific in its progress, and where 
our success saved the army, the fleet, and gave us the continued 
possession of the Mississippi and New Orleans. Had we failed 
at Pleasant Hill, we could not have maintained our power with 
the loss of the army and fleet of gunboats. 

Col. Benedict did not die in vain; and the close of his career 
was as glorious as its progress had been upright and honorable. 

We were, at once, upon making acquaintance with each other 



116 BVT. BEIG. GEN. LEAVIS BENEDICT. 

on a confidential footing, and I was often surprised and delighted 

with the general intelligence and knowledge of men which he 

always exhibited. 1 read, at the time of his death, the discourses 

pronounced at his funeral, and by the bar of which he was a 

memlier. They did no more than justice to the many virtues 

Avhich distinguished liim. Very truly yours, 

N. P. BANKS, 

Major General Commanding. 
To Col. N. N. Lee Dudley. 

Portland, Me., July 25, 1864. 

My Dear Sir: * * * j ^^.^g quite intimate Avith your 
brother. Col. Leavis Benedict, of the One Hundred and Sixty- 
second New York Regiment. He was under my command from 
August, 1863, until the time of his death. I, like every one else 
Avho kncAv him, Avas exceedingly attracted by his social qualities, 
and I enjoyed his society extremely. I saw a great deal of him 
during the winter of 1863-64, while I commanded at Franklin, 
La. At this time he commanded a brigade in Brig. Gen. Emory's 
Division of the Nineteenth Corps. 

He retained command of this lirigade on the march from Frank- 
lin to Alexandria and Natchitoches, and commanded it in the 
battle of Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864, and of Pleasant Hill, 
April 9, 1864. In the last named liattle he was killed. 

I know little of his conduct in the battle of the 8th of April. 
I do know, however, that his brigade, Avhich held the left of the 
line, was severely attacked hy the enemy; that it behaA'ed ex- 
ceedingly Avell, entirely repulsing the attack, and that it held the 
ground until nightfall, when the battle ended. My position on 
that day prevented me from knowing any more than what I haA'e 
told above. 

On the 9th of April, at Pleasant Hill, his brigade formed the 
left of Gen. Emory's line. He came to my headquarters about 
tAvelve o'clock m. to obtain permission from Gen. Emory and 
myself to change the position of his line, indicating another, 
which, in his opinion, Avas stronger and safer. We agreed to the 
change, and he then left, and the change AA'as made. In this ucav 



BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 117 

position his brigade was attacked hy the enemy, and after a gal- 
hmt fight was driven l)aek. It was, however, rallied very soon, 
returned to the fight, drove the enemy in turn, and tlid a great 
deal toward saving the day. 

It is my impression that your brother was killed while his 
l)rigade was advancing, after he had succeeded in rallying it; 
but I am not certain of this, nor is it material now. What is 
certain is, that he handled his brio-ade well; that he fouolit it as 
well as it w^as possible to fight it, and that he died performing 
his duty like a noble soldier. 

There was one universal expression of sorrow among all his 
conn'ades when it became certain that he was killed. He had 
endeared himself to all of them. 

I am Sony that I am able to give you no more reminiscences 
of him. I have told you all that I now recollect, but events 
crowded on so fast just at the time your brother was killed, that 
I have doul)tless forgotten much that I would otherwise have 
remembered. # # # * 

Very rjespectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

W. B. FRANKLIN, 
Major General JJ. 8. Volunteers. 

Henry M. Benedict, Esq., Albany, N. Y. 

Head Quarters Nineteenth Army Corps, 

Ca]mp Russell, Va., jYovember 29, 1864. 

Henry M. Benedict, Esq.: 

Dear Sir — We are still in the field, and I do not know that this 
compaign, unsurpassed for its activity, is yet ended. This has 
been, and is still, my excuse for not doing what has been nearest 
my heart — writing some account of your brother, Col. Benedict, 
who fell under my command. I have not had, nor have I now, 
the opportunity to refer to the statistics of his military history. 
Under these circumstances, you must forgive me for being brief. 

Col. Benedict was honorably engaged in the siege of Port 
Hudson, where he exhibited his most distinguished military 
characteristic, personal courage. His first field service under me 



118 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 

was during the Red Elver Campaign, wdiere, on account of his 
well known gallantry and high character as an officer, I selected 
him to command a brigade. Of his noble and patriotic death, I 
cannot speak in terms of too great admiration, although I am 
now too much engaged to give a detailed account of the circum- 
stances under which it occurred. 

He connnanded the Third Brigade, First Division, Nineteenth 
Army Corps, during the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, where we 
were brought into action after the Thirteenth Corps and the Cav- 
alry had been routed; and he there aided in checking and driving 
back an overwhelming force of the enemy, flushed with temporary 
success. The next day, at Pleasant Hill, still in command of the 
same brigade of my division, he fell at the head of his men, bear- 
ing the l)runt of that bloody battle. 

I am, my dear sir, very truly yours, 

W. H. EMORY, Brig. Gen. 

Dover Mines, Goochland County, Va., ? 
March 15, 18G6. \ 

Henry M. Benedict, Esq. : 

Dear Sir — # # # j^ gives me sincere pleasure to have an 
opportunity to express the high appreciation which I have of the 
character and services of your late lamented brother, whom it 
was my good fortune to meet often during our service in the 
Department of the Gulf. 

He joined, to high order of capacity and fine soldierly qualities, 
a warm heart and most genial manner, so that while he inspired 
confidence in his ability to command, he also gained the warm 
afiection of those with whom he was associated. 

His presence in the command always gave me both confidence 
and pleasure; and his death was to me the most saddening per- 
sonal event of the campaign in which he fell. In this feeling, I 
believe all in the Army of the Gulf participated. 
With great respect, I am, dear sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

CHARLES P. STONE, 
Formerly Brig. Gen. and Chief of Staff, DeiH of the Gulf. 



COL. EDAVAED FRISBY. 119 



IV. 

COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 

Edward Feisby was born in Trenton, Oncicla county, N. Y., on 
the third day of Angust, A. D. 1809, and was the son of Edwaed 
Feisby and Nabby Blackman. When about two years of age, 
his father removed to Whitest© wn, where he died when Edwaed 
was about thirteen or fourteen years old. He was the second 
son, and the seventh of ten children, of whom but one survives 
him, viz: Hon. D. H. Feisby, of Illinois. Notwithstanding his 
youth, he was so unwilling to see his mother burdened by the 
cares of so large a famil}-, that he determined to do something 
for hims(df, and commenced working his own way in the world 
in the Oneida cotton factory. During the whole time of his resi- 
dence at home, he was noted for his kindness and attention to 
his mother. At the age of seventeen, he came to Albany, and 
on the first of February, in the year 1827, was bound apprentice 
to JoHisr Mayell, hatter, by his brother Ele.vzee B. Feisby, who, 
being fifteen years his senior, took more the place of a father 
than a lirother. He served as apprentice until he Avas twenty 
years of age, after which he continued in the service of Mr. 
Mayeel as a journej^man until he was twenty-two, when he com- 
menced business for himself. When in his twenty-fourth year, 
on the fifth of Xovcmber, 1832, he was married to Maey Augusta 
Stevens, of Amherst, N. H. 

His parents were Presbyterians, but after coming to Albany 
he usually attended the Baptist church. He experienced reli- 
gion in a protracted meeting, held in the First Baptist church in 
Albau}^, with which he united, then under the pastoral charge 
of the Rev. Mr. Hodge. His wife was already a member of that 
church. 



120 COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 

Col. Frisby was the father of six children, two girls and four 
boys, of whom hut two are living, the two youngest (lioys). The 
first four died in intancy. He was kind and devoted as a hus- 
band and father, as well as a son and brother. 

When quite young, he evinced a great taste for a military life, 
and at the age of eighteen w^as chosen corporal in a State militia 
company. This post he filled until he was al)Out twenty-two 
years of age, when, on the second of September, 1831, he re- 
ceived his commission as ensign in the Eighty-ninth Regiment 
of Infantry. In August, 1833, he w^as elected captain; in March, 
1835, major; in September, 1839, lieutenant colonel; and in 
August, 1841, colonel; which position he held for about three 
months, when he received his commission as colonel of the 
Twenty-fifth Regiment under the new organization. On the 
19th of May, 1856, he received his commission as brigadier gen- 
eral of the Eleventh brigade. Third division N. Y. S. M. This 
position he held until the fall of 1860, when he resigned, and 
for the first time in thirty-three years, was out of ofiice. He was 
then in his fifty-first year. Although he was now in no w^ay con- 
nected with the military of the State, still ofiicers of every rank 
were constantly applying to him for the advice and instruction 
which he was so well qualified to give. 

He now intended to give his whole attention to his fimiily and 
to his private Ijusiness. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in the quietude of domestic enjoyment. His country called, 
and found him ready to obey. In the spring of 1861, at the first 
appearance of troul)le, he manifested a great interest in every- 
thing connected with our country's welfare, and repeatedly ex- 
pressed a desire to enter the service and do something to avert 
the evils which threatened us as a nation. 

When the old Twenty-fifth Regiment, of which he w\as so long 
a member, began to talk of leaving for the field of action, their 
Colonel, M. K. Bryan, desired Gen. Frisby to accompany them, 
both to give advice to himself and officers, and to encourage the 
men who placed such explicit confidence in him. 

On the 22d of April (a day that will never be forgotten in 



^ COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 121 

Albany), they left home and friends, to go forth to Ijattle for 
freedom. 

Besides the children to wliom we have referred. Col. Frisby 
had an adopted sou, the child of his wife's sister, Avho died when 
the boy was an infant. This little one the Colonel, in the gene- 
rosity of his nature, took and l)rought up as his own. He was 
older than his own sons, and took charge of his l)usin('ss while 
he was in the army. 

While they were detained in New York, waiting for the neces- 
sary preparations to he made tor their departure to AVashington, 
Gen. Frisby wrote home to his Avifc, as follows: 

" I have been very busy since our arrival here. Our men arc 
in good spirits, and the best feeling prevails. I want to express 
my thanks to you, for your heroic conduct upon my departure 
from home; that you did not say one word to discourage me, but 
arranged everything in your power for my comfort, when I know 
your heart was full of trouble.'' 

He remained with the Twenty-fifth until their arrival in Wash- 
ington, and then hastened home to recruit a regiment of volun- 
teers, to aid in the defence of the Union. This regiment, the 
Thirtieth N. Y. S. Volunteers, was mustered into the service. 
He was commissioned its Colonel. On the 27th of June, 18G1, 
they left for the seat of war. 

The following is an extract from a letter written by him to liis 
sons, dated at Camp Union, Brightwood, July 7, 1861: 

"You are now of an age, when you will establish a character 
and habits which will grow through your whole life. I know 
you are w^ell disposed, but many, who are equally well disposed, 
often yield to temptations, and soon find that they have no power 
to resist evil. I hope you will listen to the counsel of your 
mother in all things; be constant in your attendance at church 
and Sabl)ath school, and ' Remember your Creator in the days 
of your 3^outh.' I have felt, and still feel, a great anxiety about 
you, knowing, as I do, how necessary it is for boys to have the 
advice and care of a father. But the call of my country has 
come, and it is my duty to respond, and leave you in the hands 
of Him who tempers the wind to the shorn lambs, believing He 



122 COL. EDWATtD FEISBY. 

will watch over, and guide you safel}^ through every trial and 
temptation, if you will look to Him. I have been very well since 
I left home, l)ut the care upon my mind has been very fatiguing. 
We are situated very pleasantly, and are doing as well as could 
be expected under all circumstances. We are to have religious 
service at ten o'clock this morning, in a grove adjoining our camp, 
which will be conducted by our chaplain. Rev. N. G. Axtell." 

It is needless to follow our hero through all the changes of the 
army of the Potomac; through the long and weary marches, or 
in the dull monotony of camp life. In a letter to his wife he 
says : 

"It is hard for you to be left alone, but you must consider 
that the cause in which we are engaged requires sacritices, and 
you are doing your duty as much as the soldier who is tighting 
upon the iield of battle. If I can see this war honorably brought 
to a close, I shall not regret any sacrifice that I have made. I 
may not live to enjoy it, but I know that my boys will not love 
their country the less because their father fought for it." 

In another letter, speaking of his oiBcers, he says: " I am well 
satisfied with them, as well as with the men. My regiment is 
doing well, indeed, better than I could have expected. If we 
can have a little time to drill, I believe that we can do our coun- 
try good service." 

Again he writes: "My dear wife, keep up good courage, our 
God is a God of war as of peace. Let us trust in Ilim. He is 
mighty in battle, and the right will conquer." 

Col. Frisby enjoyed excellent health until July, 1862, when 
his health began to fail and he desired to see his wife. He wrote 
to her, desiring her to come to him immediately (he was then at 
Falmouth, Va., opposite Fredericksburg), saying nothing, how- 
ever, of his ill state of health. She Avent with all haste to him, 
and on arriving found him lying very low with fever. By the 
tenderest care he was restored so far as to be able to travel. 

While lying on his sick bed, the army were ordered to march, 
and never did a father feel worse at parting with his children 
than did Col. Fuisby at parting with his officers and men. He 



COL, EDWARD FPJSBY. 123 

would lie upon his bed, the tears streaming down his cheeks, and 
exclaim: " Oh, my poor hoys ! My poor boys ! " 

He procured a leave of absence, and in company with his wife 
turned his face homeward. The sail up the Potomac seemed to 
revive him, and on arriving in Washington he felt so much better 
that he determined to return at once to his regiment, then stationed 
at Culpepper, where he expected they would remain in camp 
long enough for him to fully regain his strength. So he bade 
his wife and son (who was with her) adieu, little thinking that it 
was for the last time. He returned to cam}), and instead of 
remainino; there for several weeks as the regiment had antici- 
pated, they were ordered into action at once. They fought all 
the way from there to Bull Run, where, on the third day after 
entering battle, he fell. The day he fell his leave of absence had 
not ex})ired. 

A young man, a member of his regiment, who went from Troy, 
and who was for some time in the Colonel's tent as orderly, 
writes to Mrs. Frisby as follows: 

"A few hours before the Jiattle I conversed with the Colonel. 
He seemed a little melancholy. He spoke, however, of the posi- 
tion of our troops, of the admirable position of the batteries, and 
expressed entire confidence in the ability of our commander. 
When we made that fatal charge, his duty called him from that 
part of the field, and I did not see him again. When I inquired 
for the Colonel, I was informed that he had fallen while leading 
us on. 

"He was like a father to me, ever gentle and kind. I deeply 
feel his loss, but why should I complain, when others have equal 
cause, and are silent. Through this life, I shall act as I know he 
would desire me to. God be with you and bless you, my kind 
friend. With mau}^ prayers for you and yours, in your sorrow, I 
subscribe myself your friend. Respectfully, 

"ALBERT MOTT." 

The following account of the death of this gallant ofiicer 
appeared in the " All)any Express," August 30, 18(>2: 

" Col. E. Frisby, of the Thirtieth regiment, was killed in action 
near Centre vi lie, Va. He was at the head of his regiment on the 



124 COL. EDWARD FEISBY. 

meinoi-;il)le Saturday when the second battle of Bull Run was 
fought, urging liis men forward, they having received an order 
to charge at double quick. While thus discharging his duty, a 
l)all struck him on the lower jaw, passing through his face. He 
did not fall from his horse, l)ut grasped the reins firmly. Maj. 
Chrysler, noticing that his colonel had been wounded, hurried 
to his side and said to liim: 'Colonel, you are hit.' Col. F., the 
l)k)od streaming from his shattered jaw, immediately responded: 
'Major, to your post!' and, brandishing his sword, started his 
horse up. Scarcely had he uttered the words of command, when 
he Avas struck on the top of the head with another l)all, which 
passed through and came out on the opposite side, killing him 
instantly. He dropped from his horse, and the remnant of his 
regiment, which had been in the hottest of the fight, was forced 
to fall back, leaving the remains of their heroic commander on 
the field of battle. Four days after, his body was interred l)y the 
surgeon of the Twenty-second New York State volunteers. When 
the common council committee reached Washington, Monday 
morning last, they learned that the body had been interred on 
the battle field, and that a regiment had l)een sent out to bury 
our dead. No intelligence was received from the regiment 
during Monday, and Col. Harcourt then resolved to go to the 
battle field. He procured the necessary passes for himself and 
Maj. Chrysler, and early Tuesday morning left the city in a 
carriage. They proceeded as far as Bailey's Cross Roads, where 
they met the regiment returning with the ])ody of Col. Frisby. 
The body of Col. F. was found in the precise spot where the sur- 
geon of the Twenty-second stated he buried it, with a l)oard at 
the head marked Col. Frisby. On arriving in AYashington, the 
committee at once made arrangements for embalming the body, 
a process which required some considerable time. They left 
Washington Wednesday afternoon at five o'clock, and came direct 
to New York without stopping, arriving there yesterday mor- 
ning, too late for the early train. The remains were removed to 
the Hudson River railroad dc})ot, when the committee Avas in- 
formed that the body could not be sent forward without permis- 



COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 125 

sioii from the city insjxH'tor. Col. Harcourt, after considerable 
effort, succeeded in procuring the document, and left New York." 

The funeral of Col. Frisky took })lace September 11. The 
military escort took the cars at North Ferry street for the ceme- 
tery. During the movement of the funeral cortege all places of 
l)usiness were closed, the flags were fl^'ing at half mast, the bells 
were tolled and nu'nute iiuns fired, the streets meanwhile bcino; 
deusely crowded with spectators. 

A nobler hero, a purer patriot, has not fallen during the war 
than Col. Edavard Frisby. 

The following touching letters were received by the bereaved 
widow : 

Washingtox, D. C, September 4, 1862. 

Mrs. E. Frisby — I have hesitated and delayed writing to you 
in hopes the first rumors that reached us, in relation to the fate 
of our beloved Colonel, might be confirmed. 

But, alas ! my heart aches, my eyes become blinded, and my 
liead is dizz}^, when thinking of that awful field of carnage and 
death. O, God ! that I could blot from my memory the scenes 
of that most unfortunate encounter. I cannot give you a detailed 
account of that 1)attle, or of the part taken hj any one. I can 
only say your husband, our beloved colonel, fought in the thickest 
of the fight, and died at his post of duty. 

We have made every exertion to obtain his body, but have 
lieen unsuccessful, but feel in hopes that Dr. Charix, who was 
taken a prisoner, will mark the spot where he is buried. I have 
collected his effects and will send them by express to-morrow. 
Anything I can do will be cheerfully done. I have lost a very 
dear friend in your loss of a husband. I am in hopes of seeing 
you before long, when I can relate more particularly the inci- 
dents of that awful day. Bear up under this afiliction. God is 
good, and doeth all things well. Your friend, 

WILLIAM M. SEARING. 

Troy, Sept. 14, 1802. 
My Dear Mrs. Frisby: It was with feelings of inexpressible 
sorrow, while absent from home, that I heard of the death of 



126 COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 

your generous-hearted and gallant husljund (my old friend and 
Colonel), Edward Frisby, by the hands of the enemies of his 
country. He died a martyr to law and order, a lover of the con- 
stitution and government under which he was born, reared and 
educated, and a brave and conscientious defender of that Has; 
Avhich so long had 1)ecn the pride and admiration of his country- 
men, and the emblem of hope and happiness of the oppressed in 
all parts of the world, as it was, and is, a terror to tyrants and 
despots. lie died as all true patriots love to die — with his har- 
ness on, in the full, conscientious discharge of his duty to the 
government under which he was reared. 

A l)ereaved country, a widowed wife, orphan children, sympa- 
thetic and condoling friends, mourn his loss; but their loss (con- 
soling is the fact) is his gain. May you, his disconsolate widow, 
and his orphaned children, find consolation in the fact; and may 
He, who holds nations in the holloAv of his hand, and without 
whose notice not a sparrow falls to the ground, aid you in finding 
that consolation. 

I have said that Col, Frisby was my friend during all my asso- 
ciation with him. I have found him to be such, and therefore I 
mourn his loss as a friend. Of course, I cannot mourn that loss 
as you do. But there is one thing that I can do. I can bear 
truthful and uncontradictory testimony to his moral worth as a 
man; to his honesty and usefulness as a citizen; to his devotion 
as a patriot, and his steadfastness as a friend. May the bright 
example, which he has so disinterestedly bequeathed to his pos- 
terity, never be forgotten by any of them. 

Believe me. Madam, to be most sincerely your friend and well 
wisher. CHAS. E. BRINTNALL. 

Keedysville, Md., Sept. 2St/i, 1862. 

Dear Madam: Pardon me for addressing you by letter, which 
I presume to do, l)ecause of my former intimate relations with 
your deceased husband, and because I dce})ly sympathize with 
you in your atiliction. 

None knew Col. Frisby, outside his fimiily, as 1 kneu' him. Our 
military connection commenced when I was so young, and lasted 



COL. EDWARD FEISBY. 127 

SO long, that I had come to look to him, as a son toward a father. 
I knew his inmost thoughts, so far as military matters were con- 
cerned, and could almost read in his face the thoughts passing 
through his mind. Amid the excitement of the battle lield, and 
the tediousness of long marches, I have not fully appreciated that 
he is gone — that I shall never see him more; but duiing the 
past week, partially conhned to my chamber by a wound, the 
fact has appeared to me in all its force, and I realize that I have 
lost a dear friend who loved me, and that the service has sus- 
tained an almost irreparable loss, in the sphere in which he moved. 

How forcilily comes upon my mind our parting on the second 
of April last, at Alexandria! Then I knew how painful to him, 
and how })aiiiful to me, it w^as, to be separated in our oHicial rela- 
tions. Clasped in each other's arms, the bio- tears rollino- down 
his cheeks, he said, among other things: "We may never meet 
again!" How true it proved, but how little did I then think it 
Avas our last meeting on earth. 

Dear Madam: Let me assure you, in your bereavement you 
have the deep sympathy of the officers and men of the regiment, 
and of the division to which he was attached, and in which he 
served so faithfully and efficiently. Indeed, the remnant of the 
Thirtieth mourn his loss as children mourning the loss of a father. 

While we thus lament his loss, it is a source of comfort to me to 
know that all acknowledged his worth, and showed their appre- 
ciation of his merit. To the city of Alb:uiy, to the militia of the 
State, the loss is great; for he and a few others, l)y their noble, 
yet at the time unappreciated, lal)ors, made the militia of the 
city and State what it now is, and gave to the Nation a powerful 
force to check the onward march of the rel)ellion. 

Col. Frisby's name will rank high among the heroes of this war. 

The God whom he Avorshiped will give comfort to your be- 
reaved heart. He Avill not see the widoAv or children of the 
soldier and patriot suffer. Let me commend you to Him; and 
Avith my most earnest sympathy, I subscribe myself, 

Your obedient scrA^ant, 

E. C. BENTLEY. 

I write Avith some difficult v, luiving one arm still in a sling. 



128 COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 

Fort Covington, Sept. 5th 1862. 

My Dear Mrs. Frisby: With the greatest solicitude, I have 
watched for, and scanned the lists of the killed iind wounded, in 
the late terri])le encounters. I saw in one of the papers that 
your liusl)aud was wounded, and in another, that he was killed; 
and was unable to ascertain which report was correct, until this 
morning, when my attention was directed to a paragraph in one 
of the New York papers, describing the manner of his death, and 
stating the fact that his body had l)cen recovered. 

My heart is tilled with inexpressible grief; it is to me as if it 
were my father thus stricken down. 

To you I need not praise him; and I l)ut repeat what, often, 
while he was living, I expressed to others; that he was one of 
the bravest and l)est officers in our service. 

As one of his military family, I had an opportunity for l>ecom- 
ing thoroughly acquainted with him; and I loved and revered 
him. 

He had a high sense of the responsibility of his position, and 
strove scrupulously and religiously to act up to those responsi- 
bilities. 

His intercourse with his officers and men, exhibited those qual- 
ities which adorn the character of the true gentleman. 

He was not only anxious that the men of his regiment should 
be well disciplined as soldiers, but was solicitous for their moral 
well-being. 

Always did I receive his hearty co-operation in every plan for 
the moral and religious improvement of the regiment; and if all 
the colonels in the army had the same sense of responsibility to 
God, the love of morals would ])e far brighter, and I believe we 
should be far more successful in ending this cruel war. 

You have lost a husband; I a friend, and the country a true, 
brave and nol)le soldier. We are sad; we mourn. God only 
can comfort. May he Ijless you and comfort you, is the prayer 
of Your friend, 

N. G. AXTELL. 



COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 129 



V. 

COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 

Colonel Williajm Ayeault Jackson was ])orii in the city of 
Schenectady, N. Y., on the 29th day of March, 1832. His ftither, 
Isaac W. Jackson, was then Professor of Mathematics in Union 
College, of which he was a graduate, a position he has held unin- 
terruptedly to the present time. 

William was the eldest of the family. He fitted for college 
at home, under the instruction of his father, and entered, at the 
early age of fifteen, the Freshman class of Union, at the com- 
mencement of the academic year in 1847. 

During his collegiate career, he displayed marked and brilliant 
talents in various departments, and by the exhibition of the frank 
and generous qualities, which were characteristic of him, made 
among the under-graduates of his time many and warm friends. 
He then, more particularly, won distinction as a forcible and 
extempore speaker and skillful debater. In these accomplish- 
ments he was acknowledged to be without a rival among his 
college cotemporaries, and they were, at a later period, exercised 
with effect on the wider field of political discussion. 

He graduated with honor in the summer of 1851, and during 
the succeeding year remained at home, devoting his attention to 
the study of general literature, and giving some of his time to 
the stud}^ of the law, that being the profession which he had 
chosen. Previous, however, to his regular entry upon his legal 
studies, and during the year 1852, he spent some months with 
an uncle, Mr. I. C. Chesbrough, a civil engineer, and at that time 
engaged upon the survey of the Albany and Susquehanna rail- 
road. In December, 1852, he removed to the city of Albany, 
with some of the most prominent and influential fimiilies in 

9 



330 COL. WILLI.\M A. JACKSON. 

which he was nearly connectefl, aiul entered the office of Maecus 
T. Eeynolds, Esq. He also, al)out the same time, attended a 
course of lectures at the Albany Law School. He was admitted 
to the bar on the 10th of April, 1853, and immediately com- 
menced the practice of his profession in Albany, which was his 
residence until his death. 

Soon after the commencement of his legal career, he formed a 
partnership with his cousin, Fredeeick Townsexd, Esq., an 
accomplished gentleman, since so fjivorably known as Adjutant 
General of the State during the whole of Gov. King's and a part 
of Gov. Morgan's administration, who, as colonel of the Third 
regiment of New York volunteers, distinguished himself by his 
l^rilliant gallantry at the battle of Big Bethel, and is now a major 
in the United States infantry. They were associated during the 
whole of Col. Jackson's connection with the law. For a short 
period, during the year 1857, Alfred Coxkling, formerly United 
States District Judge of the Northern District of New York, was 
professionally connected with them, under the firm name of 
CoNKLiNG, TowNSEND & Jackson. On the 1st of May, 1858, 
their business association with Judge Conkling having previ 
ously terminated, they took as a partner Richard M. Strong, 
Esq., and the firm name was changed to Townsend, Jackson & 
Strong. This partnership continued until the stirring national 
events of the spring of 18(31 turned the thoughts of all from the 
peaceful pursuits to arms, when Col. Jackson, who had l)een at 
the commencement of that year appointed and now held the ofiice 
of Inspector General of the State, relinquished the profession to 
which he had l)een bred, and engaged in the defence of the gov- 
ernment, in the great struggle inaugurated by the attack upon 
and fall of Fort Sumter. 

Before proceeding to the mention of Col. Jackson's Invief but 
lionorable military career, we pause to say a few words of the 
character and talents which he displayed during the time of his 
practice at the bar. Possessed of a singularly handsome person, 
with frank and genial manners, having a bold and energetic 
character, and a quick, penetrating intellect, being an agreeal)le 
speaker and a vigorous writer, he fast made friends and a(hnirers, 



COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 131 

and soon acquired a prominent and influential position at the 
Capital of the State. Well grounded in the principles of the 
law, and prompt in the despatch of business, he obtained a very 
considerable professional practice. Always taking a deep interest 
in politics, State and national, and mingling freely and on inti- 
mate terms, during almost the whole of this period, with the most 
distinguished political leaders, he soon Ijecame appreciated as a 
man of ability, and a brilliant and effective speaker. His political 
views being in accordance with those of the Repul)lican party, 
he early took that side, and in the campaigns of 1856, 1858 and 
1860 rendered valuable services, with his pen and on the stump, 
to that organization. In 1858, he made quite an extended tour, 
and addressed numerous large assemblies in the western part 
of the State. 

When, therefore, in the spring of 1861 he embraced with 
characteristic ardor the career of arms, he had acquired a high 
position in his profession and in society, and was making himself 
felt and his influence appreciable to a degree, unusual in one so 
young. 

No reasons, then, for so complete a change in the plan and 
pursuits of his life existed, other than a generous patriotism, and 
an honorable amljition to win the praise of honest men l)y his 
sacriflces for and services to his country. 

Successful in raising a regiment whose superior in material 
was not to be found in the State, he originally intended to take 
the position of Lieutenant Colonel, devolving its command upon 
an army ofiicer of experience. His plans failed in that respect, 
and after much hesitation and doubt from a consciousness of his 
inexperience, he was finally prevailed upon to accept the Colo- 
nelcy. On the 18th of June, 1861, he received his commission 
as Colonel of this, the Eighteenth Regiment of Ncav York Volun- 
teers, with the rank from May 13th, 1861, From the breaking- 
out of the war, in April, to the time he received his commission, 
he had been arduously engaged as Inspector General of the State 
in aiding the Governor in the organization of its forces, and hence 
by close api)lication had acquired military knowledge which was 
of value to him in his new position. 



132 COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 

From the day, however, that he took command of the Eigh- 
teenth, he was constant and un^vea^ied in his devotion to and 
care for his men. Not unwilling to learn, nor unwdsely self-con- 
tident, as were some of the new officers of volunteers at that 
period, by the industrious application of his quick, vigorous mind 
to the acquisition of a knowledge of the details of his duty, he 
very soon mastered them. 

His regiment left Albany in June, and proceeding directly to 
Washington, encamped near the city. Here began his first trial 
of camp life. The officers under his command were, w^ith ])ut 
very few exceptions, without experience or practical military 
knowledge; and the men, like almost all the volunteers at that 
time, owing to the busy brief period that had elapsed since their 
enlistment, were a mere unformed mass, without drill or disci- 
pline, rather than a regiment of soldiers. 

To chano-e all this was the determination of the Colonel. He 
resolved to make it a regiment in truth, and one which should 
be inferior to none in the field. With this ol)ject in view, he 
was devoted, constant and unwearied, sparing neither body nor 
mind, but straining every faculty from the time he arrived at 
Washington until the disastrous battle of Manassas, and indeed 
until his death, in his eflbrts to perfect himself as an officer, and 
to bring to a high state of discipline the men under his command. 
In how short a time he, with the earnest and praiseworthy co- 
operation of his officers, succeeded in doing this, and how well 
he did succeed, was soon to be shown. 

On the 12th of July, in accordance with the general plan of a 
forward movement into Virginia, his regiment was ordered across 
the Potomac and encamped near Alexandria. Al^out the same 
time it was brigaded with the Sixteenth, Thirty-first and Thirty- 
second New York Volunteers, forming, together, the Second Bri- 
gade, under the command of Col. Da vies, of the Sixteenth Regi- 
ment. 

On the 16th of July commenced the memorable advance of the 
army of the Potomac. Col. Jackson's regiment moved from 
Alexandria in the afternoon of that day, and, together with the 
other regiments, forming the Second Brigade, took part in the 



COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 133 

battle, or rather prolonged skirmish, of the 18th of July. In 
this, his conduct was gallant and meritorious, and his men 
behaved with the steadiness of veterans. In the battle of Manas- 
sas, on the 21st of Jul}^, which resulted so disastrously to our 
arms, the Second Brigade were upon the left and constituted the 
reserve, not taking part in the main battle, but lighting princi- 
l)ally by the right and centre. 

Without attempting any general description of the events of 
that terril)le and humiliating day, it is sufficient to say that the 
Eighteenth Regiment, the whole Second Brigade, and indeed the 
whole Division, of which it formed a part, behaved with marked 
gallantry and steadiness. The Second Brigade, covering Capts. 
Geeen and Hunt's batteries during the early part of the day, 
and with them eifectually defeating a formidable attempt of the 
enemy's right to flank the left of our line, when later our troops 
fled in such panic and confusion from the field, was ordered to 
Centreville to protect the retreat. As to what followed, and the 
conduct of Col. Jackson at this crisis, appears in an extract from 
the report of Capt. Green, in command of a battery: 

"I chose a position," he says, "on the crest of a hill, which, 
from its shape, gave command of the ground to our left, and also 
of the road along which our division was retirino:. From this 
])osition I could perfectly SAveep with my fire one hundred and 
eighty degrees front, right and left, down a gentle slope. Four 
regiments were placed as my support, and the force at this point 
could have stopped double its number. 

"At this point an unauthorized person gave orders to retreat; 
I refused the order, but all my supporting regiments but one {Col. 
Jackson's Eighteenth JY. Y. V.), moved off to the rear. Col. 
Jackson most gallantly offered his regiment as a support, saying 
' that it should remain by me as long as there should be any fight- 
ing to be done there.' The above mentioned person again made 
his appearance at this time, and again ordered me to retreat, and 
ordered Col. Jackson to form column of division on my right and 
retreat with me, as all was lost. The order was of course disre- 
garded, and in about two minutes the head of a column of the 



134 COL. WILLI.OI A. JACKSOX. 

enemy's cavalry came up at a run, opening out of the woods ii 
beautiful order. I was prepared for it, and the colunm had not 
gone more than a hundred yards out of the woods before shells 
were l)urst at their head, and directly in their midst. They broke 
in evcrydirection, and no more cavalry came out of the woods." 

The Eighteenth, in compliance with orders from the command- 
ing General, retreated, covering Green's battery; and halted for 
a short time at Fairfax. Col. Jackson, ascertaining that the Gen- 
eral, despairing of bringing the defeated army to a halt, had 
himself gone to Washington, it again resumed the retreat, and at 
midday on the 22d took possession of its old camp at Alexandria. 
This retreat was eflected in perfect good order throughout; and 
on the way back the Colonel was enabled to atibrd aid to his fel- 
low townsman, Lieut. Hill, of the United States artillery, in 
bringing ofi'two of the guns of his battery. 

All the officers who were present, bear testimony to the gal- 
lantry of Col. Jackson, and the admirable behavior of his regi- 
ment, throughout that memorable advance towards, and retreat 
from jNIanassas. 

During the Avhole time he was almost constantly mounted, and 
he bore up with astonishing endurance under the most exhausting- 
fatigue. He says himself, in a letter written to a friend on the 
23d of July: " From half past two Sunday morning until Monday 
at midday, we neither slept nor rested. I was in my saddle 
nearly all the time." 

After this battle the regiment, not sharing in the general 
demoralization of the troops, remained near Alexandria, shifting 
its camp occasionally, taking its turn at guard and picket duty, 
and for a time engaged in building Fort Ward, one of the numer- 
ous fortifications erected to protect Washington. 

When Gen. McClellan, taking conunand, commenced the 
reorganization of the Army of the Potomac, the Eighteenth Regi- 
ment was placed in Gen. Newton's Brigade, and Gen. Franklin's 
Division. 

The devotion and enlhiisiasni of Col. Jackson, in raising to the 
highest standard the discipline and morale of his men. did not 
flag. Until attacked l)y his last illness, he was liardly ever 



COL, AVILLI.V3I A. JACKSOX. 135 

al)seiit from the camp, mid it Avas an extremely rare thing for him 
to sleep ont of it; and he took eagerly upon his shoulders, the 
thousand constant cares and laliors, consequent upon a scrupu- 
lously conscientious discharge of his duties. In a word, his 
whole time and energies were emploj^ed. In all this, and indeed 
during the whole of his connection with the regiment, it is l)ut 
justice to record, that his efforts were much aided, and the char- 
acter of the regiment for discii)line and efficiency raised, by the 
steady support and uniformly gallant conduct of his Lieut, Col, 
(now Colonel) Young, a townsman, and the officer who succeeded 
him in command. 

These wearing anxieties of his responsil)le position, and the 
unaccustomed privations and exposures of life in the field, in an 
unhealthy climate, were unfortunately laying in the constitution 
of Jackson the foundations of fatal disease. His health, which 
had been, through life, up to this period, almost perfect, now 
showed signs of giving way; and during a hurried visit home in 
August, his friends were alarmed at the inroads made by fatigue 
and anxiety upon it. Altheugh, for some time after his return 
to the regiment, he seemed lietter, he was, towards the end of 
October, seized with an illness, which, assuming the form of 
bilious remittent fever, proved fatal. Prostrated for some days 
in his tent, his brother officers were unable to induce him to 
"give up" and seek relief from his official duties, and it was not 
until his ilhuNss assumed a most serious form, that he consented 
to apply to be removed to Washington. This Avas done on the 
30th of October, and Dr. Stone, one of the most eminent physi- 
cians of the city, was then immediately called to his bedside, but 
it was too late. For a few days, no critical symptoms appeared, 
and his condition was not considered as imminently dangerous 
until the 7th of November. Hemorrhage 'of the bowels, and 
afterwards of the brain, then set in, destroying all hope. On 
Monday, the 11th of November, a little before six o'clock in the 
evening, his spirit passed away. His last words were these, 
uttered just before the power of articulation departed, in a strong, 
deliberate voice, but evidently with great effijrt: "I do believe 
in the Lord Jesus Christ; I trust in him,'' 



136 COL. WILLI.OI A. JACKSON. 

The remains of Col. Jackson were taken home for interment. 
They were escorted to the cars at AVashingtou by his regiment, 
every member of which expressed a desire to testify his respect 
for his beloved Colonel. At Albany, they were received by the 
military of the city, and lay in state. 

He was bnried at Schenectady on the 14th of November, 1861. 

Borne to his last resting place by the friends of his youth 
whom he loved so well, amid the scenes of his boyhood he sleeps, 
requiemed by the sighing pines which wave over his grave. 

Beautiful and joyous was his youth; bold and vigorous his 
manhood; his death honorable, nay, glorious; for, although he 
fell not by the sword nor amid the maddening whirl and din of 
battle, yet by his self-consuming labors for his country's weal, 
were sown the seeds of that fell disease which was his clestro^'^er. 

The high estimation in which Col. Jackson was held, appears 
from the numerous letters of consolation received by his ftither 
from distinguished gentlemen in various parts of the country, and 
from the complimentary resolutions passed by the bar of the city 
of Albany, the Governor of the State and his staff, the Eighteenth 
Regiment, and the Albany Zouave Cadets. Also, at the meeting 
of the Albany bar, most eloquent eulogies were pronounced 
upon our departed hero by the Hon. Clark B. Cochrane, S. O. 
Shepard, Esq., his honor. Recorder Austin, Hon._ John V. L. 
Pruyn, and J. M. Kimb^vll, Esq. Our limits will only allow us 
to give the tribute of the Hon. Mr. Cochrane, which, in common 
with the others, presents, in just and beautiful language, the 
worth and the achievements of our lamented patriot martyr. 

He spoke as follows: 
Mr. OJiairman and Gentlemen of the Bar: 

The news of the event which has called together the bar of 
Albany on the present occasion, has fallen with mournful weight 
upon the hearts of millions of our countrymen. The removal by 
death of William A. Jackson, from the newly chosen field of his 
activities, in the midst of his growing usefulness and rising fame, 
and in view of what he was and what he promised to become, 
produced, as it was calculated to produce, a profound sensation 
in the public mind. The deep and universal solicitude, the ex- 



COL. AVILLIA3I A. JACKSON. 137 

pressions of private hopes and public anxiety with reference to 
the chances of his recovery, from the time his dangerous illness 
became known, until the announcement of its fatal termination, 
the imposing demonstrations of respect tendered to his memory 
and services, and the multiplied evidences of sincere and general 
sorrow which have followed that announcement, admonish us 
that our professional brother, whose loss we mourn and whose 
recollection we cherish, was no ordinary personage. It rarely hap- 
pens, even in our own glorious country, w^here all legal and adven- 
titious hindrances arc removed from before the march of merit, 
where the race is usually to the swift, and the battle to the strong, 
that one comes to occupy, at so early an age, so large a measure 
in the public eye, or possess so firm a hold of the popular heart. 
Though yet in the early dawn and dew of manhood. Col. Jack- 
son has inscribed his name upon the imperishable records of his 
country, and left his footprints deeply traced on the sands of 
time. A nation, for whose life and whose honor he drew his 
sword, witnessed, with emotions of sorrow, his passage from the 
theatre of life; and the great, the gifted and the brave, followed 
his bier and mingled as mourners in his funeral train. Thus, let 
a grateful people ever hallow the memory of the brave defenders 
of the land and flag of our fathers. Our departed friend has left 
a blameless life, a bright and brave example for the imitation of 
all, especially for our youth. At a period when success, with 
young men of brightest promise, is yet the subject of conjecture, 
he had accomplished ends and achieved a position which exempt 
life from the possibilities of ftiilure, and enabled him to say, as 
he turned his youthful eyes for the last time to the light of 
Heaven, I have not " lived in vain nor spent my strength for 
nauo-ht." 

A gentleman by instinct and education, possessed of a fine 
person and fascinating manners, a large heart and a true and 
genial nature, endowed with a rare intellect, enriched by varied 
and manly cultivation, he became the idol of every circle in 
which he mingled, a cherished companion among his associates, 
the trusted depositary of the most sacred treasures of a well 
chosen friendship, the pride of his family and kindred, and a 



138 COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 

favorite with the public. As a public speaker, Col. Jackson was 
eloqueut and forcible, and to rare conversational powers he added 
the pen of a ready and elegant writer. As a member of this bar, 
at which he had secured no indifferent reputation, we remember 
liim as a In-other without reproach. His warm hand, his beaming 
and manly face, will greet us no more. We shall miss him at the 
bar, in the halls of justice, from our social gatherings, in the 
public and private walks of life; but in the innermost shrines of 
our hearts, and so long as life lasts, we will cherish his memory, 
fragrant with every manly virtue, and free from every suspicion 
of dishonor. We will think of him for his noble qualities of 
head and heart, for the example he has left behind him, for the 
expectations he had realized, and the hopes he had inspired. 

In all the relations of private life, and in all the varied and 
responsil)le positions with which he was trusted, he preserved 
to the last " the whiteness of his soul, and men weep for him." 

It is, after all, as a patriot and soldier, and not as a lawyer, we 
meet to do him honor. True, the ranks of our profession have 
been invaded, and another link has Ijccn stricken from the bright 
fraternal chain which binds us together; a choice spirit has dropt 
from our circle, and passed forever away, and we confess our 
loss; but it is our country, and not our class, that is smitten l)y 
this bereavement. Brave of heart and strong of hand, loving his 
country and revering her insulted Hag, he was among the hrst to 
respond to the call of the Nation, in the hour of her sudden .and 
greatest peril. Though uneducated to the profession of arms, 
he brought to the duties of his high command, unwT'aried in(his- 
try and all the acknowledged vigor of his mind, and at the time 
of his death had already become an accomplished and efficient 
officer; enjoyed the contidence of the Government and of his 
superiors in command; was rapidly rising in the opinions of the 
army, and had secured to the fullest extent the respect and love 
of his gallant regiment, which, under his discipline, had become, 
by common consent, one of the best and most efficient in the 
service. 

Tried upon the h(dd of l)attle, and found wanting in none of 
the stern requisites of a soldier, he had before him the promise 



COL. AVILLIA3I A. JACKSON. 139 

of a l)rilliant and glorious future. In the inscrutable providence 
of God, the hand of death has overtaken him, and he is removed 
from the tumult of arms and the scenes of earth. But he has 
fallen in the career of dut}' and the path of fame, with his l)ow 
bent, his feet to the held, and his armor on. To the patriot, the 
memor}' of such is sweet. 

We jjive, also, the Proceedino;s at the Executive Chamber: 

By direction of his Excellency, Gov. Morgan, the members of 
his staft', present in Albany, met in the Executive Chamber, on 
the evening of November 12th, to take such action as might be 
deemed appropriate in regard to the death of Col. William A. 
Jackson, commanding the Eighteenth Regiment of New York 
State Volunteers, and formerly Inspector General of this State, 
who expired at Washington on the evening of the 11th instant. 

The following members of his staff w^ere present: Adjutant 
General Hillhouse, Inspector General Patrick, Commissary 
General Welch, Surgeon General Vanderpoel, Quartermaster 
General Van Vechten, Aide,-de-Camp Arden, and Military Sec- 
retary LiNSLEY. 

On assuming the chair, his Excellency expressed, with great 
feeling, his deep senile of the sad occasion wdiich had induced 
him to convene the memliers of his military family, and sug- 
gested that such action should be had as the melancholy event 
called for. He added, that the death of Col. Jackson came upon 
us with ])ecidiar force. That he had been an esteemed meml)er of 
his staif, and was a much-loved citizen of Al])aiiy at the time he 
assumed the command of the regiment, and that it was eminently 
proper that this especial notice should l)e taken of his death, by 
himself and the members of his stafl' who were now present. 

Whereupon, Com. Gen. Welch, with the permission of his 
Excellenc}^ submitted the following resolutions: 

Resolved, That we have heard, with emotions of profound 
sorrow, of tne death of a former associate. Col. Willlvm A. Jack- 
son, commanding the Eighteenth liegiment of New York Volun- 
teers, who was among the first to sacrifice honorable pu])lic posi- 
tion, professional honors and emoluments, and cherished personal 



140 COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 

associations, in defence of the flag of the country and the integ- 
rity of the Union. 

Besolved, That in the death of this young soldier, who was 
endeared to us by those sterling characteristics of manhood, 
which he possessed in so eminent a degree, we are overwhelmed 
with grief, not only because an estimable friend and associate 
has been taken from us, but because the country, now passing 
the severest ordeal of its existence, has lost one of its able and 
zealous champions. 

Resolved, That the loss of Col. Jackson, so deeply felt here, 
in the city of his former residence, and so much to be deplored 
everywhere, calls for some public manifestation of the wide- 
spread sorrow which his early death has evoked. 

Resolved, That his Excellency, the Governor, be respectfully 
requested to forward to the immediate relatives of the deceased, 
a copy of these resolutions, with an expression of our deep and 
unafiected sympathy with them in this, their great bereavement. 

These resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

general order. 

Head Quarters, Fifth Brigade, ) 

November 15, 1861. \ 

General Order, No. 13. The General commanding the Bri- 
gade, on his return, has heard with lively sorrow of the decease 
of Col. William A. Jackson, commanding the Eighteenth Regi- 
ment New York Volunteers. 

Deprived, by circumstances over which he had no control, of 
the melancholy privilege of witnessing his last moments, or of 
being present at the funeral obsequies, the General commanding 
wishes at least to testify his profound sense of the loss to the 
service, experienced by the decease of this accomplished soldier 
and gentleman. 

The high state of discipline and efficiency attained by the 
Eighteenth Regiment, is a testimony to the zeal and intelligence 
of the deceased, more honorable and complete than the most 
elaborate eulogium. By order of Brig. Gen. Newton. 

JAS. E. MONTGOMERY, AssL Adj. Gen. 







"^■'g'lyAHKtaue. 




COL. JOHN WILSON. 141 



VI. 

COL. JOHN WILSON. 

Colonel John Wilson, of the Forty-third Eegiment Infantry, 
N. Y. v., son of James and Ann Wilson, was born in Albany, N. 
Y., December 29th, 1838. His father was a native of Scotland, 
a man of sterling integrity and great benevolence, a useful citizen 
and sincere Christian. His mother was an American of Scottish 
descent. His maternal great grand-father served in the army of 
the Kevolution, upholding bravely the cause of his adopted coun- 
try. He was a man of great physical strength, and power of 
endurance. He suffered much on board a prison ship near Brook- 
lyn. His son, a boy of seventeen years, also served and was 
wounded in the Revolutionary war. 

John Wilson received his education at the Albany Academy, 
which institution he entered at a very early age. He immediately 
commenced the study of the Latin language, in which his father 
was very desirous of having him proficient, as it was necessary 
to a scientific knowledge of the business, for which he designed 
to educate him. He studied the French language a number of 
years, and went farther than the course prescribed by the 
Academy. His father dying when he was sixteen, he suspended 
his studies and succeeded to his business of florist and nursery- 
man. In this he continued till he entered the army, giving up 
then a lucrative and prosperous business to devote himself to 
his country. 

From his infancy he attended the Sabbath school established 
by his father, then the only Sabbath school in the section of the 
city where he resided. He was actively engaged in it till he 
entered the army, and was always interested in its success. He 
united with the Baptist Church in 1858, under the ministration 



14? COL. JOHN WILSOX. 

ot Rev. Dr. Hague. He maintained always a firm religions cha- 
racter, was charital)le in judgment, and liberal in giving, espe- 
cially in i)rivate. Generosity was, from childhood, his distin- 
guishing characteristic. While he was in the army, he devoted 
one-tenth part of his income to charitable and religious purposes. 

He entered the army as a Captain, having raised a company 
for the second requisition of troops in the summer of 1861. In 
about one week from the time he had resolved to give himself 
to his country, his company was raised. They marched to the 
barracks, on Saturday, August 3d, the first soldiers to occupy 
the barracks after the troops of the first requisition had gone to 
the field. 

The following extracts from Col. Wilson's letters will g-ive a 
view of his movements after he left All)any: 

New Yoek, September 18, 186 1, 

Dear Mother and Sisters — I arrived safely in New York on 
Tuesday, at two o'clock. It rained very hard wdien we came in, 
but ceased about an hour afterward, when the regiment arrived. 

As soon as I stepped from the cars I proceeded to the Astor 
House, and soon after met the Colonel, who entrusted the dis- 
embarkation of our men to me. We landed safely, and fortu. 
nately it ceased raining, but it commenced soon after we had 
obtained our quarters in the Park barracks. 

The officers are mostly quartered at the Astor and Lovejoy's 
Hotel. I am very well at present, and trust this finds you all 
well. I cannot find out when the regiment will leave, as nobody 
seems to know anything about it. 

I will write as soon as I learn anything definite. Our men are 
all well, but do not like the confinement in such barracks as 
those in the Park. Your son and brother, 

JOHN. 

C^vjvip Casey, INIekidian Hill, near Washington, D. C, ") 
Head Quarters of N. Y. Forty-third Regt., \ 
September 22, 1861. J 

Dear Mother and Sisters — I have just obtained an opportunity 
to write to you this afternoon. I am oflicer of the day, and as I 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 143 

am all alone in my tent just now, I feel like writing to you, to 
tell you how I like camp life. 

Tlie last letter I wrote you was from the l^ark barracks, New 
York. I said in my letter of Friday last, that we would move 
soon, and so it turned out, for with but three hours notice we 
were ordered, I)}' telegraph, to Washington direct. 

You may imagine what a conuiiotion there was among the 
men, wlien at six o'clock Friday evening they were ordered to 
AVashington, and to be ready to start by nine o'clock r. m. 
^Vell, we got under way at precisely half past one Saturday mor- 
ning, having waited from nine p. m., the evening before, for our 
l)aggage and equipments to be sent to the railroad depot, and 
our rations to be prepared for us, which latter, by the way, we 
never got, as they were by mistake left in New York. 

You may think we Avere all pretty well tired waiting, but to 
add still to our troubles, we had to wait in New Jersey, at the 
de})ot in Jersey city, till four o'clock a. m. before the train could 
be got under way. 

We arrived safely in Philadelphia at twelve o'clock m., and 
were received by the women of the city in grand style. They 
prepared a dinner for us free, and a good appetite we had for it, 
too, as we had had nothing to eat since the night before, except 
Avhat food the men, at the supper table, had placed in their haver- 
sacks. As it was, they did very well, and complained but very 

little. 

We took rail at one o'clock for Baltimore, and all through the 

streets of Philadelphia, as we passed in the cars, we were greeted 
by thousands of cheers and hurrahs. We reached Baltimore at 
eleven o'clock Saturday night, and immediately marched two 
miles to the depot of the railroad for Washington, and arrived 
in Washington four o'clock Sunday morning. We w^ere all very 
tired, and immediately proceeded to have our supper of one slice 
of bread and one slice of pork per man, and a cup of coffee, after 
which we took a sleep of three hours duration, being called up 
for breakfast at seven o'clock. 

At eleven o'clock a. m. we received marching orders, and pro- 
ceeded to encamp on the grounds we now occupy on Meridian 



144 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

Hill. There are, in all, about twenty thousand men encamped 

near us, and we have nothing but din, and the music of bugle 

and fife and drum all day. I am very well, having a fine tent, 

ground nice and dry, a good floor to the tent, and plenty of 

coats to cover me with. Write soon. 

Yours affectionately, 

JOHN. 

Head Quarters of Forty-third Regt., N. Y. S. V., 

Meridian Hill, Washington, D. C, Sept. '21, 1861. 

My Dear Anna — I received your letter yesterday morning. I 
was very glad to hear from you and all at home, as I was afraid 
that any letter written to me at New York might not reach me 
here. 

We are having a fine time here in camp — plenty of tent room, 
as I have taken two tents and joined them in one, end to end, 
and now we have a sitting room, and a sleeping apartment, with 
a curtain between. You should see our arrangements, and I am 
sure you would be surprised to find how comfortable we are. 
Even now it is raining quite hard, but our tents are covered with 
large canvass flies, and no rain can get near us. 

We are all well, and are not troubled with any inconveniences 
complained of by many in camp, except the nights are veiy cold, 
especially towards morning, and the middle of the days rather 
warm. But we manage to overcome the former by overcoats and 
extra blankets, and the latter we avoid by keeping inside of our 
tents. 

We hardly ever take off our clothes, except to bathe, as we 
must be always ready to spring into our places, even at the dead 
of night, fully armed and equipped. I shall soon get used to such 
a life, and I like it more and more every day. 

I think there will l)e a grand battle some time next month, 
but I am afraid we cannot get ready to be there, but we may 
have a chance to be lookers on. ***** 

I resigned all claim to the majorship of the regiment, as I find 
the field ofiicers will have to pass an examination here, which I 
could not do, as I understand nothing of battalion movements. 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 145 

I shall have a chance of promotion l)cfore long, I think, and then 
I .shall be Major. I am very well satisfied with my present posi- 
tion. Write soon, and remember me to all friends. 

Yours alfectionately, JOHN WILSON. 

Camp Advance, Va., Sej)t. 2dt/i, Sunday. 
Dear Mother — I will write you a few lines, to-nioht, to let you 
know that we are on the sacred soil of Virginia. The enemy are 
some six miles from us. We are in the advance camp, and may 
have a chance to see action before long; but I am not afraid at 
all, myself. I keep in mind that verse you wrote in my Testa- 
ment — " He will give his angels charge over thee." I keep my 
Testament always in my breast pocket, and read it as often as I 
can. I think a battle is near, and I also think it will l)e a deci- 
sive one for our cause and freedom. I will write you again very 
soon. Give my love to all; Kate, Anna, Eliza and INIaiiy, and 
to yourself. In haste. Your affectionate son, 

JOHN WILSON. 

Fort Marcy, Va., Oct. SOiJt, 1861. 
My Dear Sister — I received your letter of the 25th, this mor- 
ning. I am now writing an answer to your inquiries (time, ten 
r. M.) I am at present with my company encamped within the 
above named fort, about three-fourths of a mile fi'om Chain 
bridge, and three and a half miles from our regiment, beino- de- 
tached therefrom for th(> present, and sent here in command of 
the fort. I came here last Saturday morning at six a. m., to 
relieve Company A, of the Vermont Fifth, who have been here 
some three weeks. I am having a fine timie of it now, as the 
company have all their tents nicely pitched within the breast- 
works of the fort — and mine stands at the head of the street, 
and, standing in my tent door, I can at one glance see the whole 
interior of the place. When I came, I brought nothing but a 
blanket and an overcoat, and the men brought only their over- 
coats, thinking we would have to stay but twenty-four hours. But 
Ave have had to sleep on the ground three nights, and that, too, 
through two frosty oues. But I am very well, and the men com- 

10 



146 COL. JOTIN WILSON. 

plain but little of any sickness. Our tents came yesterda}^ after- 
noon, and before night they were all up and occupied. I have 
a detachment of my company stationed as guard at Chain bridge, 
under Lieut. Wilkinson, of Company F, and with the fort and 
the l)ridge to care for, I have my hands full. 

We have had two or three grand reviews lately, and this has 
kept us all l>usy getting ready for inspection, so that I have had 
no time to do anything outside of military afl'airs. Gen. Han- 
cock, the other day, congratulated Col. Vinton on the drill and 
discipline of the Forty-third, and, although we have been but one 
month " out," he confesses us superior to regiments out oVer four 
months. This is saying a good deal for us. 

We had a set of colors presented to us, the other day, by Sim- 
eon Drapee, of NcAV York. They are very handsome, and ele- 
gantly mounted. Last Thursday, four companies of our regi- 
ment, or rather parts of four companies, under command of Col. 
Vinton, made a reconnoissance as far as Flint Hill, or about two 
miles from Fairfax. Our guide said, we were the first Union 
troops that had been on Flint Hill, since the battle of Bull Run. 
He said, also, that our Colonel was the most ambitious one he 
had met with, as we proceeded over half a mile further than he 
advised, and would have gone to Fairfax, had not our orders 
commanded us to go but to Flint Hill. Had we gone fin-ther, our 
Colonel would have had to bear the consequences, had any l)een 
killed. As it was. Company A went half a mile l)cyond, being- 
thrown out as skirmishers. We drove the enemy's pickets before 
us about a mile, they running off at double-quick, after exchanging 
a few shots with us. We took eight prisoners, and then returned 
to camp, having walked in all al)out twenty miles. This recon- 
noissance has given us quite a name for courage, and Ave are 
already known as the " plucky little Forty-third." 

But I nmst close my letter, with the wish that you will write 
soon, and all the others too; and don't mind if I do not write as 
often as I would like to, as I am very nmch engaged with com- 
pany affairs. Give my love to INIother, Kate, Anna, Mary and 
yourself, of course, and •■-meml)er me to all my numerous friends. 
Tell H. S. that I am sorry the articles w^ere not sent, as any- 



COL. JOHN AVILSON. 147 

thing from Albany seems one hundred per cent l)etter, than any- 
thing bought here. Give her my regards and thanks for her 
kind endeavors. I have not received my box yet, and do not 
know what has become of it. Suppose it will turn up one of 
these days. I wish I had it now. Good night. JOHN. 

Mr. WiLSOX wrote to his mother and sisters very frequently, 
giving a minute account of his daily life, and of mattei's of inte- 
rest that came under his observation. All his letters breathe 
the spirit of an earnest patriotism, and personal devotion to duty. 
Most of them possess a private and family interest, while a fcAV 
contain matter suitable for publication. 

The following letters give an account of the movements of his 
regiment near Williamsburg and City Point, Va. 

Camp No. 11, in the Field, 
Near Williamsburg, Va., Mai/ 8, 1SG2. 

My Dear Mother — I wrote a short letter to you yesterday to 
let you know that our regiment was safe, as it was held as a 
reserve, together with a few other regiments l)elongihg to Keyes' 
Corps, and four or live l)atteries of regular artillery and two regi- 
ments of regular cavalry. We were very near the scene of 
action all day IMonday, being separated from it by a strip of 
woods so dense as to prevent our seeing anything of the conflict. 
The firing all day was very severe, and once in awhile we had 
a few shells thrown toward us, l)ut they did no damage. We 
have had a complete victory, as the forts of the enemy, eleven in 
number, are all ours, and many prisoners, the exact number I do 
not knoAv. 

I Avill giA'e you a little account of our movements since Satur- 
day moi-ning last: On that day Ave moA^ed our camp nearer to 
the rcl)el Avorks, and all Saturday night the firing on our imme- 
diate right Avas very heavy, and Ave expected every moment to 
be called to arms to repel the expected attack or sortie of the 
enemy. At daybreak, Ave Avere called out, and stood under arms 
for half an hour, Avere then dismissed, and breakfasted. At seven 
A. M. came an order to be ready to move immediately, to cross the 



148 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

clam and take possession of the enemy's fort, directly in front of 
our division, as the enemy were reported to have evacuated York- 
town and the entire line of fortitications, from the York to the 
James river. We at once were ready, and drew no extra rations 
from our commissary, thinking we would but cross the dam and 
occupy the enemy's forts, or move but a short distance in advance 
of them, and he assuring us we could draw our rations there as 
well as in camp. We found the whole of the enemy's works 
deserted, and our only wonder was, as we filed through their 
works, that they evacuated them as they did, as they appeared 
almost invulnerable. We marched on, after we had passed this 
line of forts, very quickly, and found, as we went along, camp 
after camp deserted and the tents left, in the haste of the rebels 
to escape. At about four p. m., Sunday, we joined Hooker's 
Division, which had marched oil' from Yorktown, and were the 
advance of Heintzelman's Corps, and found that the First U. S. 
Cavalry, and their batteries of artillery, had had an engagement 
with the enemy some distance in front, overtaking the rear guai'd 
of the rebels in their retreat. They appeared to have had a 
severe time of it, and judging from the wounded carried past in 
ambulances, had l)een pretty well cut up. We expected an 
engagement every moment, and at five p. m. were drawn up in 
line of battle, on a place called " Whittaker's farm," a field 
skirted by woods, containing some two hundred or three hun- 
dred acres, and covered with a beautiful crop of wheat, a foot 
high. We remained here till six p. m., when a charge through 
the woods in front and towards the enemy's forts Avas ordered, 
and with a tremendous shout we started forward. We were 
halted, however, by Gen. HiVNCOCK, before we cleared the woods, 
he not knowing the exact position of the enemy, and being too 
good a General to risk our charging on any uncertainty. We 
remained all night in the woods, lying on our arms, my company 
being deployed in front of our regiment. It was anything but 
agreeable, as I had no overcoat, no blanket to lie down on, noth- 
ing but my pants, vest and jacket. The night being chilly, I was 
com])ellcd to keep warm by pacing from tree to tree all night, 
no fires being allowed, as we did not know how many yards we 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 149 

were from the enemy. At three a. m., INIonclMy, it commenced to 
rain, and before long we Avere all waked. At five a. m. we fell 
back to the commencement of the woods, to build small fires 
and warm ourselves. We remained in this position most of the 
day, expecting every moment to he ordered forward, although 
we had had nothing to eat, and it was raining hard all day; but 
the order did not come, as we (the Federals) held our own admi- 
rably, and defeated our adversary at every point. Our brigade 
lost but four killed and fifteen wounded, as far as I can learn. 
Sickles' Brigade, on our left, was badly cut up, and lost many, 
killed and wounded. I took a walk yesterday morning all 
through the woods and over the field, where the fighting was 
the heaviest. I saw a great many of the rebels lying in the 
woods, dead, (our own men who had fallen having been buried,) 
and a sad siaht it was, almost all the dead havino; been shot 
through the breast or head. They have all been l)uried, and the 
wounded all well cared for. I took a stroll throuo-h Williams- 
l)urg, and found quite a numT)er of white families still living in 
the town, and any quantity of negroes, some of them very intel- 
ligent. It seems that when their masters retreated, they (the 
negroes) took to the woods, and returned as our army advanced. 
The town is a pretty country one, and is some three miles or 
more from the James river. It contains some very fine churches 
and dwellings, and is by far the prettiest place I have seen in the 
south. I found from the negroes that it must have had a popu- 
lation of eight or ten thousand at one time, l)eing a very old 
town, and quite unique in appearance. The streets through 
the town are in an awful condition. Wagons sink in to the 
hubs, and drawn'ng the heavy wagons, is very heavy work for the 
mules and horses. Gen. McClellan had his head-quarters at a 
large mansion in the town. I do not know how soon we shall 
move from this camp, and am in no anxiety about it, as we are 
pleasantly encamped in a wood, on high ground, and near a 
splendid cold spring of water. Indeed, it seems like another 
country here, from the old camp before Yorktown, as the country 
above that city is rolling and elevated, and the air pure and 
healthy. One report is, that we shall folloAV up the enemy, who 



150 COL. JOHX WILSON. 

are said to have made a stand on the Chickahoniiny river; another, 
that we shall go to Richmond, to be garrisoned there, after it is 
taken; and still another, that Norfolk will be our destination. I 
think the former the most probably true one; but am no way 
concerned al)out our movements, as long as I keep well and our 
men are in as good spirits as at present. It must be very 
demoralizing to the rebels to be forced to fall l)ack with defeat 
from such strong works as those of Yorktown and Williams- 
burg, especially after having employed six thousand negroes 
for over six months on each of these lines of forts. 

I should not be surprised if the report of Magruder's surren- 
der would prove true in a few days, and if this happens, the Old 
Dominion may l)e counted one of the Union. I forgot to tell you 
that on our advance from the forts at Yorktown, we dug up 
many shells and torpedoes, buried in the roads, and fixed so that 
the least pressure upon the fuse would explode them, but they 
were discovered too s(Jon to do any damage; and all along our 
march we had a squad of picked men precede us to examine the 
roads we had to march over. Such an operation on the part of 
the enemy is the best proof of their cowardice we could have, 
and holds them up in their true light. I saw quite a number of 
prisoners yesterday, whom we had taken at the last battle. 
They were, with few exceptions, poor specimens of the creature, 
man, and had all of them a downcast, sorrowful expression, 
which, added to their variety of coarse clothes, gave them the 
appearance of a lot of thieves or jail inhabitants. They are well 
treated by our men, however, and will, no doubt, be thankful 
that they have escaped to such merciful captors. 

Your atfectionate son, JOHN, 

Camp No. 12, in the Field, near West Point, Va., ") 

(said to be) 35 MILES FROM RICHMOND, V 

May 11, 1802. Sunday afternoon. J 

My Dear Sister — Your welcome letter of May 2d was received 

by me this morning. I do not know when I may have a chance 

to send a letter ai^-ain, so as the mail closes this evenino- I send 

this, written this afternoon. We have been making severe 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 151 

marches the hist few days, in hopes of overhauling the enemy; but 
to-day, after having been " reveiUed " at three and a half a. m., the 
hour when we intended to march, and being all ready, hy live 
A. M., down came an order from Gen. Mac, who has his head-quar- 
ters directly in our rear, countermanding the orders to move for- 
ward to-da}', and advising aii o1)servance of the Sabbath as strict 
as possible. The men of all the regiments of our brigade and divi- 
sion are overjoyed at resting to-day, and McCLELLiVN thus wins 
the hearts of all the men by his kindness, and also the favor of 
Heaven by his o])servance of its laws. With such a General, vic- 
tory nmst 1)e ours. Sjiitii's Division, and especially HxVncock's 
Brigade, is a favorite with Gen. Mac, and has been ever since the 
battle of Williamsburg, and he sticks close to us on the march. 
You should see the army of the Potomac on this peninsula, under 
his inunediate command, if you ivonld see soldiers] and if you 
could only stand a few hours by some roadside, as the troops lile 
down it on the march, you could have some idea of ''the soldier^ 
We have frequent skirmishes with the enemy nearly every day, 
as we are in hot pursuit of him to prevent him from fortifying 
further this side of Eichmond. Gen. McClellan anticipates 
being there on Thursday, I believe, if all goes well. It may be 
longer l^efore we reach that devoted city, as the weather is very 
warm and marching very fatiguing. Our troops stand it well, 
having been pretty well inured to it, but the eflect on new recruits 
would be very " sensible." Gen. McClellan seems to be " wrapt 
up '■ in his troops, and well may he l)e proud of them, and of 
their victorious march. I have at last o-ot a little contraband, 
about twelve or thirteen years old. He is jet black, a good look- 
ing little " dark," and answers to the name of " Carter." I will 
bi-ing him home, if I can, and he will stay with me. I wish I 
had my box, as our fare is hard, very hard, and it is almost im- 
possible to get an3i;hing but hard crackers, coffee and sugar; and 
salt meat, seldom /re.s/«, is served to us; but I do not complain 
at all of our fare, as long as I keep well, and our arms are victo- 
rious and old re!>eldom overcome. I do not know how soon we 
shall engage them in conflict again, l)ut I trust Heaven may grant 
us the victory in all our contests, and soon peace be restored to 



152 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

our beloved country. You should see the negroes here. We 
meet any quantity of them, and each house on our journey is 
decorated with a large white flag, whether the occupants are 
wdiite or black. We do not touch anything belonging to the 
inhal)itants on our marcli, l)ut, of course, we return no slaves 
coming to and with us, as we do nol, believe in slavery, and do 
not intend to pollute the old flag with any more " negro slavery 
protection." I have held many conversations with negroes al)Out 
their opinion of us and their former masters. I went over to 
Williamsburg the other day, and through some of the log cabins 
of the once slaves. I asked one very nice looking colored woman 
what she thought of our soldiers in comparison with the rel)el 
troops. She said: " Your men look so very bold — don't hang 
down their heads as our soldiers do. Your troops frighted the 
life out of our men; and then tJie good clothes — oh, my! they 
look like soldiers." An old man, in another cabin, said of our 
troops firing, on the day of the battle of Williamsburg: "I notice 
that when our men fire, your men don't fall; but when yoiu- men 
fire, our men come down very fast." They all tell of the ridicu- 
lous stories of their masters and ^'^ missus ;^^ that the Yankees 
would cut off their ears, sell them off north, l)urn them up, and 
what not; l)ut they find it is all lies, and they are in the best of 
spirits, and rejoice beyond measure at our successful progress. 
We are in the finest country I ever saw, Init most too Avarm for 
comfortable marching in the day time. Water is plentiful, and 
woods are abundant, so we march a great deal of the time in the 
shade. But I must close. My love to all, and many respects to 
all my friends. I send your letter and mother's in the same en- 
velope, as this is the first chance I have had to write for a long 
time. Write soon, and tell all to do so too. 

Your affectionate brother, JOHN. 

Camp near City Point, Va., ) 
ON James Kiver, Jidy Uk, 1862. \ 
My Dear Sister Mary — Your letter reached me to-day, at four 
p. M., and to-night, the night of the glorious Fourth, I sit doAVTi 
on the top of my little mess chest, made out of a cracker box, 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 153 

to write an answer to you. It is now a week or more, si nee I had 
an opportunity of handlino- a pen, and I have almost forgotten 
iiow to write a letter. I have so nuieh to write, coneerning our 
movements since last Saturday morning, that I do not know 
Avhere to commence. I will therefore begin with June 27tli, last 
Friday, a week ago to-day; the day before Porter's Division of 
the army, in front of liiehmond, had pressed the rebels severely 
in the centre of our lines, and had gained on them a mile or 
more, after severe fighting and considerable loss. All the hands 
in our army, in front of Kichmond, were playing our national 
airs, all the evening. I did not go to bed till one a. m. the next 
evening; and the next morning early, 5 a. m., our entire regi- 
ment went on picket. I had command of the right half (or wing) 
of our picket line, of the Forty-third New York. Our picket 
line was in close proximity to that of the rel)els; so close, that 
each could converse with the other, in one or two diti'erent 
places. The part of which I had chai-ge, ran through a wood; 
the other half, of the Foi-ty-third picket, was posted in a wheat 
iield, and were in full view of the rel^el picket. The day was a 
lovely, warm one, and I enjoyed the picket duty very nmch. 
although I had heard that " shoulder straps" were the aim or 
mark of the rebel riflemen, they having made an agreement with 
our pickets, not to shoot each other, except officers. Our forces 
had thrown up, during the night before, quite a fort (six hundred 
men working all night upon it) near the picket line of the Second 
Brigade, immediately on our left, and at an early hour in the 
morning, this fort was the object of an attack by a rel)el bat- 
tery. One could plainly hear, from where we were lying on 
picket, the artillery of the rebels, coming down towards their 
picket line. They commenced with a full battery volley, six 
pieces discharged at once, throwing shells; I should judge ten 
or twelve pounders; and their first volley was answered by one 
from our battery in said fort, and by a battery of thirty-two 
pounders a short distance in the rear. This exercise was kept 
up for about half an hour, when the artillery of the enemy Avith- 
drcAV. All was qui(>t till three p. m., when the rdiel sharpshoot- 
ers endeavored to turn our right wing, of which I had command. 



154 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

Our support on that wing was immediately thrown forward on 
the line, doubling it, and old secesli fell back repulsed. We 
lost none, killed or wounded. Quite a large reserve was then 
thrown to the rear of the line, and were greatly needed before 
night fell. Tlie part of our picket line, running through the 
wheat tield, was strengthened to six times its former strength. 
80 matters stood till seven r. m., when all of a sudden, just before 
we should have l)een relieved, a volley along the entire picket 
line of the rel)els greeted us. Of course, the suddenness of the 
thing surprised us somewhat, but our men stood to their posts, 
to a man, and tired quick and surely, as you may well suppose. 
It was a strang-e sig-ht in the woods, where I was stationed. I 
was on the })icket line at the time, talking to one of nn' men 
about being relieved, when, all along the line in front of us (it 
seemed not more than ten yards off), a Ijright flashing greeted 
my gaze, and Inillets whistled close around us. My iirst excla- 
mation was: " Every man stand on his post, and give them all 
you can!" I rushed down the line to the reserve, and hurried 
it out on the line, and then the work commenced in good earnest. 
In a few minutes we could not see three feet from us, on account 
of the smoke. We kept up the tiring until the enem}- in front 
of us were completely silenced, which did not happen till our 
men had fired over iifty rounds each, of ammunition, and the 
guns were so hot I could not lay my hand on them. I then gave 
the order to my part of the line, to cease tiring. It was kept up 
for some time on our left, as there the rebels had advanced a 
brigade or two, while we, on the right, were apparently opposed 
by a picket line. Our side had an entire l)rigade opposed to 
theirs, as soon as the flring commenced, in front of the fort, and 
the enemy were repulsed with a loss of two hundred and eighty 
killed and wounded (from an account furnished b}^ a prisoner 
taken two days afterwards); while we lost but tAventy-eight, 
killed and wounded, out of the Forty-third, and four or tive 
more in the brigade. There were two in my company — James 
F. HoGAN and IIeniiy S. Long, both privates; the former wounded 
in the stomach, the latter in the hand. Young Hogan died on 
.Sunday morning, June 21)th, in the li()s})ital at Fair Oaks, or 



COL. JOHN AVILSON. 155 

Savage's Station; I was unable^ to fiiul out wliicli. On account 
of our quick movements, I had only time to see him once on 
Saturday mornino-, at our reginu'iital hospital, m here I gave him 
a tew lemons, which he seemed to like very much. lie told me 
he could not live; he knew, he sai<l. he would die. I endea- 
vored to cheer him U}), but in vain. A few minutes after, he 
and the rest of the wounded were placed in aml)ulauces, and 
taken aAvay to the hospital I have mentioned before. He was a 
tine young' man, and a good soldier, and I regret, exceedinglv, 
his loss to the company. But his time had come — and I trust 
he was ready. You mention that your heart bled for the 
wounded, carried up to the Albany barracks. Could you see 
some of the wounded soldiers here, brought from a battle iield, 
you would sicken at the sight. After the battle of Fair Oaks, 
some of the rebel wounded lay two days in the sun, on the field, 
and in the woods, before being l)rought in. Many of their 
wounds had commenced to mortify and decay. * * * j have 
given you an idea of our picket skirmish on Friday night. We 
were relieved at nine p. m., by the Vermont Brigade, and right 
glad were we, to go home. I will, in my letter to Eliza, tell 
about the retreat (or driving back, or retiring) of Porter, the 
same day; and will close, with much love to all. 

From your brother, JOHN. 

Camp in the Field, near City Point, Va., ) 
ON James Kiyer, Jidi/ 5l/i, 1862. ^ 

My Dear Sister Eliza — Your letter of June 23d came to hand 
yesterday, while our regiment was lying out in the Avoods, watch- 
ing for an attack from the enemy. It afforded me great i)leasure 
to read the tAvo letters, from yourself and Mary. I am very 
glad to hear of your efforts in behalf of the sick and Avounded 
soldiers at the Albany barracks. How much gratification it nuist 
afford to them, to knoAv that some one cares for them; and hoAv 
dcdightful to them must seem the fresh fragrance of floAvers, and 
the flaA^or of ripe straAvlierries. It must be a delightful task for 
you to carry them such little delicacies; and rest assured, that I 
am proud to knoAV that I have sisters Avho can do such deeds of 



156 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

kindness to soldiers, voluntarily and without compensation. You 
may rest assured, that any such deed of charity you at home do, 
is fully appreciated by me; as much, almost, as though I was the 
hiippy recipient myself. Be sure a Heavenly Father will reward 
all such good deeds. My advice to all at home is, to do so, as 
much as you possibly can, knowing that you have a l)rother who 
is a soldier, and can appreciate such deeds when shown to the 
sick and wounded. 

I gave Mauy quite an account of a picket skirmish, on the 
evening of the 27th. Next morning (Saturday, June 2<Sth), we 
were called to form line of battle at three a. m., and after aAvait- 
ing an attack of the enemy, half an hour, retired to our tents. 
At half past five, heavy tiring on our left and front called us out 
again. We stacked our arms on the color line, and broke ranks, 
ready to fall in, to move camp. At 8 a. m. our hospital and bag- 
gage train moved off, and proceeded in the direction of James 
Eivcr. At ten a. m. the order came to fall in, and we moved to 
our left, about one-fourth of a mile, and formed line of battle, 
composed of our whole division, and laid down on our arms, and 
awaited an attack from the enemy. Pouter's Division, who were 
on our right, had retired the day before, and had recrossed the 
Chickahominy, followed by 75,000 or 100,000 rebels. All the 
day before, we could hear the heavy cannonading across the 
river, and two of our batteries, near our fort, were playing on 
the rel)els as they crossed, and created great havoc among 
them. After we had left camp about an hour, the picket line 
of our division was driven into the rifle pits, and we were 
held there all day (the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania doing picket 
duty that day), and the shells began to fall in our old camps 
thick and fast around us. We lay there all day and all night, 
waiting for the rebels to come out and charge on our old camps 
and follow us up, as they would reasonably expect us to cross 
the Chickahominy, as Porter had done, and follow sti-aight to 
the rear. We would then have given them an aAvful enfllade 
fire, as we had Inittery after battery planted, ready to receive 
them should they follow us. But they refused to do it, and at 
three a. m., Sunday, we moved to the left, towards James river, 



COL, JOHN WILSON. 157 

and marched some six or seven miles to a place near Savage's 
Station, on the railroad to Eichmond. About three p. m. we 
moved to the station (Savage's), and commenced to destroy the 
property there. Vast quantities of hard bread, ammunition, 
coffee, sugar, salt, rifles and muskets were smashed, and l)urned 
in great heaps. I felt almost like crying when I saw the rifles 
broken across large pieces of railroad iron, and the more so 
when I remembered how long ive had carried the old muskets, 
and would have given almost anything to have had such arms. 
At seven p. m., Sunday, the rebels came down, some 10,000 
strong, by the I'ailroad, and commenced an attack, which was 
repulsed with an enormous loss on their side. They had but 
one gun, mounted on a platform car, but it was charged on l)y 
the Irish Brigade, and taken. Their troops were soaked with 
" gunpowdered Avhiskey," and came up right to the mouths of 
our cannon, and were mowed down by grape and cannister by 
the score. At aliout nine a, m. they retired, completely repulsed, 
and our forces ])egan to march again towards the James. 

We marched, I should judge, some seven miles, and halted at 
one A. M., Monday, and laid on the side of the road, and fell asleep 
as soon as we rested. It rained slightly during the night, and 
at seven or eight a. m. we moved l)ack to a wood, and formed 
line of battle, and waited for the rebels to come up in pursuit, 
Avhich they did about twelve m., and opened with fidl l)attery on 
one of our batteries. They did not dare to attack us with 
infantrj^ but kept off at artillery range. This was kept up all 
the afternoon as long as the daylight lasted, and near evening 
some of the brio-ades of Sumner's Division made a charoe on 
them, and took some two hundred prosoners. The enemy lost, 
last Sunday night, at Savage's Station, some four thousand killed 
and wounded — our loss a mere trifle; on Monday they lost al)Out 
tAvo thousand — we as many hundred. As soon as it was dark, 
Monday night, we moved to concentrate our forces at the divi- 
sion head-(juarters, and at ten p. m. moved off towards the James 
agtiin, and marched some fifteen or twenty miles all night till 
broad daylight, about four a. m., and lay down to rest on our arms; 
slept till eight a. m., when we of the Forty-third went on picket, 



158 COL. JOHN WILSOX. 

and remained all day by a beautiful mill pond, and at ten p. m. 
were called in to join our brigade. We were on the side of the 
road, watching the troops pass hy. Regiment after regiment, 
battery after battery, wagon after wagon, hnrried on. I watched 
them some two hours, and got so weary looking at them that I 
fell asleep, and when I awoke, at four a. m., Wednesday, they 
were still passing. So many troops, so many batteries, so many 
wagons, I never saw at one time before in my life. We moved 
oft' at six A. M., being the rear guard, and then the rain com- 
menced to pour down. Before we had marched six miles (the 
extent of our journey), City Point being that distance from us, 
and on the James river, the mud was aAvful — full eighteen inches 
deep. We trudged on, and at ten a. m. we encamped in a corn- 
licld near City Point landing, in mud full two feet deep. Tlic 
whole plain, for miles near the landing, was covered with troops, 
luit such looking ones — mud from their shoes to their knees, and 
drenched with rain. We encamped here all night, and, at eight 
A. M. next morning, moved back two miles from the river, and 
encamped in an oat held, where we remained till this morning, 
when we moved forward to a wood, in which place we are now 
encamped. The marching from City Point, on Thursday morning, 
those two miles, was the most severe I ever experienced. Mud 
almost knee deep, small men having to be pulled out many 
times; shoes drawn off, and buried out of sight. We got 
through it safely, however, and spent our Fourth of July lying 
in a place near the woods full of blackberries, in line of battle, 
and at seven p. m. returned to camp. But I must close. I will 
o-ive mother an account of some of the incidents by the way, in 
answer to her letter I received to-day. Much love to all. 

From your brother, JOHN. 

All the tlowers I send to you and Mary to-day, are from the 
picket line, in front of Richmond, live miles from the city. 

Cajip neab Berkley Landing, ) 

James River, Va., Julf/ 7, 1862. ) 

Dear Kate — Your welcome letter reached me, together vath 

Anna's, yesterday morning. As I have informed Eliza and 



COL, JOHN WILSON. 159 

Mary, in my last letters to them, mc have just undergone the 
most severe duty and fatiguing marches the army of the Potomac 
has yet exiDcrienced. We had a week of it, and during the most 
of it we were either on the march or on the "■ rpd vive^^ for the 
eneni}'. Of course, we obtained hut little sleep, and that but an 
hour or two at a time. I stood it well, never falling out from 
my company, but doing all in my power to encourage the men 
to do their duty and keep up with the marching colunms, I 
think the excitement did more than anything else to keep me up 
to my duty, for noio, wlien w^e have arrived at a ''.stcnid sti'll" I 
do not feel so well as I did on the march, but am liy no means 
sick, I am doing my regular camp and picket duty, I am sorry 
to hear of mother's sickness, and hope that by this time she 
may have entirely recovered from her indisposition. We are 
having very fine weather for the month of July, the days l)eing 
very warm and the sun powerful, but the nights cool and accom- 
panied l)y a heavy dew. Moonlight nights are prevalent now, 
and it is a magnificent sight to stand on an eminence, near a new 
fort just built by our troops, and look on the camps, as still as 
death (at twelve o'clock at night), except when the tread of a 
neighboring sentinel on his beat, or the Avhippowill on some oak 
or pine tree, breaks the silence. Only think of over fifty thou- 
sand men lying encamped in a vast plain, to be seen, at a few 
glances, in difierent directions. I do not know how far the rebels 
are from us; we see or hear nothing of them at present. 

We have been moving our camp every day since we reached 
the James river, and are now about two miles from it. We may 
have to stay here some time, and w^e may move on to Ilichmond, 
up the James, under cover of our gunboats, and clear the place 
out, I am ready for anything, move or rest, it makes no differ- 
ence. Our troops of the army of the Potomac have implicit con- 
fidence in jVIcClellan, and all seem satisfied that his movement 
to the left, has ])een the salvation of his army. Many rumors 
concerning him are current here, but I presume they are all 
unfounded, some to the effect that McClfxlan and Stanton will 
both be superseded — Halleck to be placed in command of the 
army, Scott to be made Secretary of War, &c., &c. They had 



160 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

better reinforce McClellan sufficiently, and tlien let him try it 
aaain. He is by no means beaten, ])ut has made a movement to 
the left and towards the James, in order to save his army, the 
only course he could pursue; besides, we have whipped the 
enemy at every battle, and killed and wounded two of them for 
one of us. I am glad to hear of the comfortable quarters pro- 
vided for the sick and wounded at Albany. It must be pleasant 
at the Albany Barracks Hospital for the soldiers taken there. * 
* * * I am rio-ht o;lad mother " does as she does," 

sendino; the soldiers delicacies, and I can somewhat appreciate 
the feeling such gifts must inspire in the bosoms of the recipients 
of them. It is gratifying to us here in active service to know 
that our comrades are so well cared for in their time of trouble, 
an 1 I can assure you that it is a great incentive to us to renewed 
exertions in the field. Those who remember the sick and 
Avounded soldier, and administer consolation and comfort to him 
in his distress, must feel that they are doing their duty and serv- 
ing their country full as much as those who face the foe in the 
grim battle, amid screeching shells and whistling bullets; and so 
surely as the God of Nations exists, so surely must a blessing 
from Him be the reward of their labors of love. I was nuich 
shocked to hear of ]\Ielville Marble's death, but all must die, 
and an early death saves one from much toil and anguish. Was 
he prepared? If so, all is well. I sympathize deeply with his 
family, l)ut many family circles mourn the loss of some who have 
fallen within one short week; and some, the only one that that 
circle contained. Who can tell the mourning that the contest 
which has continued since the 27th of June has occasioned. 
Forty-five thousand reported to have been killed and Avounded; 
fifteen thousand of that number accredited to the Federals. 

I nn'ght tell you of awful sights I have witnessed; of human forms 
manoled in every conceivable manner; of strao:o;liiig soldiers shot 
dead by tlic dragoons in our forced march, because they would 
not join their regiments; of the marches by day, and the marches 
by night; of the destruction of arms and equipments for which 
we could not provide transportation, although our train of army 
wagons was over twenty miles long; but you Avould sicken at the 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 161 

recital of them, and they being now over and gone, the memoiy 
and recital of them would do no good. Our regiment, althougii 
under hot lire, has been very fortunate, having lost but forty-one 
ill killed, wounded and missing. I myself have escaped any 
injury whatever, and trust I may come safely through all the 
contests yet to be endured. My trust is on high, and faithfulness 
to my duty is my firm intention, leaving consequences with 
Him who "notes even a sparrow's fall." I send my love to all. 
Good bye. From your brother, JOHN. 

From the followino; letters we gather the events of interest 
that occurred during August and September, 1862. 

Camp near Hajvipton, Va., August 21, 1862. 

Dear Mary — I received your letter of the 13th, an hour or 
two ago, for which I am much obliged. I write to you this 
evening more to let you all at home know that I am well and 
alive, and that our Army of the Potomac has arrived safely 
here, without any attack by the enemy. I will give you a little 
account of the movements of our division from the commence- 
ment of our movement. 

We started the 16th of this month, Saturday afternoon, at four 
o'clock. We brought up the rear of the whole army, the Sixth 
Maine and Ayres' Battery being the last infantry and artillery 
to leave the encampment. We marched that night as far as 
Charles City Court-House. I can not tell how mau}'^ miles it is 
from Harrison's Landing or Berkely to the Court-House. You 
might take a map and examine our course from Harrison's Land- 
ing to the camp here. We encamped at ten that evening, and the 
next morning at six we moved off, and encamped at three p. m., 
Sunday, after crossing the Chickahominy river, near its intersec- 
tion with the James, on a very fine pontoon bridge, ^hich had 
been put together in nine hours, and was as firm and solid as a 
floor. We encamped on the banks of the Chickahominy, and 
started at six and a half a. m., Monday. We marched to Wil- 
liamsburg, and through it, encamping at two p. m. three miles 
from it. At six and a half a. m., Tuesday, we started again, and 

11 



162 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

marched past Yorktown, and encamped two miles below it, on 
the York river, at one p. m. Started at live and a half a. m., 
Wednesday, and marched to Great Bethel, and encamped at 
eleven and a half a. m. near the battle oroimd of Bethel. 
Started at four and a half a. m., Thursday (to-day), and reached 
this camp at nine and a half a. m. We expect to lie encamped 
here a day or two, and then proceed by transport to — I don't 
know where. During our entire journey from Harrison's Land- 
ing to this place we have had splendid weather, the sun being 
rather too powerful sometimes, and the dust on some roads being 
almost stifling. We got along very well, however, and have 
arrived here safe and sound. * * * * j received Kate's 
letter, and will answer it as soon as I get a chance. I do not 
know when this letter will go ofi", but I hope either to-night or 
to-morrow morning. My love to all. 

From your brother, JOHN. 

On board Steamship "Arago," ) 
August 23, 1862. ] 

Dear Mother — I write to you a few lines to-day, though I do 
not know when the mail goes out, to let you know something 
of our whereabouts and destination. We embarked yesterday, 
at one and a half p. m., on board this steamer, (belonging to the 
Havre line,) at Fortress Monroe, having started from camp at 
Hampton at ten and a half a. m. Immediately on our reach- 
ing the Fortress, after a tine march, there being no dust, as a 
gentle rain, of two hours' duration, had completely laid it, we 
were taken on board of a small steamer and conveyed to the 
"Arago," lying at anchor in the Roads. The Fifth Wisconsin 
and the Forty-third New York were both taken on board the 
same vessel, and by dark we had all our stores and baggage 
with us, they having been all brought out to this vessel by 
small steamers. We lay at anchor till this morning, and at day- 
light proceeded on our voyage. We are now, three p. m., going 
up the Potomac, our destination being, as the Captain of the 
vessel informed me, "Aquia Creek." I do not know yet whether 
we shall go into camp there, or be sent on to reinforce Pope's 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 163 

army at once on our disembarkation. I am very well indeed, 
and enjoy this trip very much, as the accommodations are rerj 
fine. * * * * I jiu^ gtin in command of the regiment (Lieut. 
Col. Baker not having joined the regiment yet, and Col. Vin- 
ton being absent on a sick leave), and have a good deal of 
anxiety and care on my mind at this time of marching and trans- 
porting troops. I will write again as soon as we get encamped, 
and let you know where we are. My love to all at home. 

Your loving son, JOHN. 

Camp California, near Alexandria, Va. 

August 29, 1862. 

Dear Eliza — Your letter reached me yesterday, and was 
perused with much pleasure. We are encamped, ^;ro ^em., near 
Alexandria, on the road, or rather in a fine field situated on the 
road, leading to Fairfax. We encamped here on Sunday night 
last, or rather Monday morning. All our Army of the Potomac 
except Keyes' Corps, which was left to garrison and guard 
Yorktown, have arrived here, and lie encamped between here 
and Fairfax. Rumor says Gen. Pope has fallen back and is in 
full retreat before the rebels, but I can not vouch for the truth 
of it. The rebels made a raid on Tuesday or Wednesday of this 
week, on our forces guarding the railroad near Manassas, and 
stragglers and runaways from the army there, say that our forces 
were terribly cut up, and beaten badly. The Eleventh New York 
Battery, (the Havelock's, Capt. Von Putkammer,) are reported 
to have been badly handled by the enemy, and to have lost 
almost all, if not every one of their guns, and many belonging 
to the battery are reported missing, either killed or prisoners. 
Very unfortunate affair for so promising a company of soldiers. 
* * * * It may be untrue, or a greatly exaggerated 
report of the affair, but I fear it may be too true. One regi- 
ment of cavalry, the Twelfth Pennsylvania, broke, and then run, 
many of them never halting till they were arrested by our 
pickets on the road near our camp. I saw and conversed with 
many of these latter, and a more frightened and distracted set of 
men I never saw. No two of them told the same story, but all 



164 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

of them agreed our forces were badly cut up. We asked one of 
them: " Where are your wounded, if 3^our regiment was so 
badly cut up?" He replied: " Our officers commanded us to 
retreat," and it seems they ivere retreating, and would have 
retreated to Alexandria, if they had not l)een stopped by our 
guards. Somebody is to blame for the disgraceful affair, and 
Gen. McClellan will cause the matter to be sifted to the bot- 
tom, as the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry were all taken by our 
guards to his head-quarters. We received orders last evening 
to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice. 
We may move to-day. I do not know where we go to. I will 
write home as soon as we become settled in our camp again, in 
case we move to-day or to-morrow. * * * * 

From your brother, JOHN. 

Camp near Fort Worth, Va., 8e}jt. 3c?, 1862. 
Dear Mary — Our regiment and division are encamped once 
more. This time we are encamped on a fine, level plateau, on 
top of a hill, adjoining Fort Worth, about two and a half miles 
from Alexandria. I have not written home for some time, and 
for good reasons: First, I had no paper with me, no ink, no pen; 
second, no mail has been sent off from our division since Thurs- 
day last. I send a letter to Eliza, to-day, written last Thursday 
evening. I have carried it in my pocket since that time, and it 
has been almost to " Bull Run" since then. Our division moved 
last Friday morning, at six o'clock, and marched some five or six 
miles that day, formed line of battle, and encamped behind our 
stacks of arms. Started on Saturday morning, at a quarter past 
eight o'clock. We marched very rapidly that diay, having no 
baggage along to impede us; our only baggage being one blanket 
to a man, and an overcoat, if any had one. Passed through 
Fairfax at twelve m.; through Ceiitreville, and to within half 
a mile of Bull Run. The battle had been raging fiercely to 
our left, on the other side of Bull Run, l)ut by the time we got 
to within that distance of it, night came on, and we were ordered 
back, to occupy the fortifications at Centreville. We arrived at 
half past ten p. m., having been on the march from a quarter to 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 1G5 

eight till that time. We were ordered into a large rifle pit, and 
were ready for an attack from the enemy, at any moment. Our 
troops were very tired indeed, and the disappointment of the 
men, in marching back to Centreville, some six miles, caused 
more fatigue than marching tAvelve miles forward would have 
done. I laid down at one end of the fortification, in my overcoat, 
and, sharing my blanket with another officer, went to sleep at 
once — and Avas wakened up at four a. m., by the rain running 
down my neck. It rained very hard all Sunday morning, and 
we lay in the rifle pit, in mud and rain, waiting to see if old 
"Reb." would attack us. But no attack. We were moved out 
at twelve, to another position, and lay encamped there all night. 
We remained here all Monday, till half past nine p. m., when we 
moved toward Fairfax, and encamped at half past one a. m., Tues- 
day, having marched four hours through the darkness and mud; 
the latter rendered very deep by a tremendously heavy thunder 
shower in the afternoon. We encamped near Fairfax, the men 
lying down by their arms, and their clothes being covered with 
mud up to their knees, and their feet muddy and wet, they slept 
till 8 A. M. It was a very cold morning, and I shivered when I 
got oft' from the wet ground, in spite of the sun's bright rays. 
We moved from Fairfax at half past two p. m., Tuesday, having 
been in the line of battle in the woods, all day, expecting an 
attack from the enemy's cavalry. We then marched towards 
Alexandria, and reached our old camp, California, at ten p. m., 
having marched some fifteen miles from two and a half to ten 
p. M. This we call pretty smart marching. Our men were pretty 
well tired out, and had had nothing to eat all day, except some 
green corn which they got in the corn fields as they came 
along. Our rations awaited us in camp, and I got my supper at 
half past eleven, and then went to bed, or to my blanket, rather, 
but not to sleep a great deal; for just as I was in a good sleep, 
some orderly from "head-quarters" came to my tent, and woke 
me up, with some order. We moved to this present camp at seven 
A. M., and are now once more at rest; for how long a time I 
know not. It may be till Stonewall Jackson endeavors to take 
Washington. 



166 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

I send you a little blue flower I got from one of the forts at Cen- 
treville. Flowers are rather scarce " in these parts," but I will try 
and send you some more. I could send you some splendid 
bunches of the trumpet flower, but they are too large. That 
was a beautiful little flower you sent me; it is preserved finely. 
Much obliged for it. Don't forget the plums when the box is 
sent. How I would like some of those Imperials ,or McLaugh- 
lins or Green Gages to eat fresh. I have seen no plums here, 
but the Damson and the Horse plums. But I must close my 
letter. * * * ]\/[y love to all, and regards to all my friends. 
I am still in command of the Forty-third. 

Your brother, JOHN. 

Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., Sept. 20, 1862. 
Dear Anna — I take the first opportunity I have had of answer- 
ing your letter of Septeml)er 4th, which I received on the 7th 
instant, during our l:)ivouack at Eockville, Md. We have been 
on the march continually since the evening of the 6th, and I have 
had no chance either to write home, or to get any material to do 
so. All my baggage (a small valise) is in the wagons, and I 
could not get pen, ink or paper for love or money, and there 
was no opportunity of sending a letter when written. We have 
been on. the march now two weeks this evening, and all the bed 
or covering I have had during this time has been my overcoat 
and rubber coat, which I carry strapped on the liack of my sad- 
dle. The weather has been very favorable to our movements (a 
rain once in a while incommoding us but very little), and I have 
suffered but little inconvenience from sleeping on the ground. I 
do not know when this letter will go to the post-otlice, as we 
send out no regular mail yet. I write to you now, having bor- 
rowed this one-half sheet of foolscap, to dispel any fears you 
might have for my safety. We have had a very severe, if not 
the most severe battle of the war. It has continued five or six 
days, and the dead and wounded, on either side, are counted by 
thousands. The loss of the rebels on the last day of the battle 
Wedm\sday, was fearful in the extreme; and the battle field on 
Friday morning, after the rebels had left and no damage could 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 1()7 

be clone by their sharpshooters, to persons going out on it, pre- 
sented an awful appearance, the dead being in some places near 
fences, and clumps of trees and rocks, piled up in heaps. The 
smell arising from the lield, or rather fields, was almost stifling, 
many of the dead lying unburied three or four days under a hot 
sun. This has been the first time I have had a good opportunity 
of visiting a battle field in every part, and of examining all the 
different positions held and taken during the engagement. 

The battle field of this last action comprised a large extent of 
ground, our line of battle running a distance of four or five miles, 
and along its entire lenijth the dead and wounded were o;athered. 
If I had time uoav, and the paper, I would give you a detailed 
account of the movements of our division and corps, since Satur- 
day evening the 6th instant, (on which evening we marched from 
Alexandria to our camp near Tenallytown,) and of our march to 
this time, where we are encamped within one-quarter of a mile of 
the Potomac, on the Maryland side of the river. We have driven 
the rebels out of Maryland completely, compelling them to leave 
their dead and wounded on the soil of this State uncared for by 
them. Their rear guard crossed the river yesterday, and last 
evening, at five o'clock, we reached our present camp. 

I am very well, having never enjoyed better health than at pre- 
sent, although I do not feel as clean and comfortable as I would 
with a good change of clothing. We may follow up the rebel army 
in Virginia, or lie still for a Avhile. We are prepared for either, 
although a little rest for a few days would be very acceptable. 
My love to all at home. Your brother, JOHN. 

Camp No. 47, in the Field, Near Sharpsburg, Md., 

September 20, 1862. 
Dear Eliza — I received your letter of the 9th instant last 
Thursday, while the regiment, of which I have the temporary 
command, was lying on the field of our last battle, in support of 
the First N. Y. Artillery. It seemed strange to receive and 
peruse a letter from home amid such scenes of carnage and 
deatli. Just think of reading a letter, written in peaceful Albany, 
where all is quiet and undisturbed, here on the battle field the 



168 COL. JOHN WILSOX. 

day after an action of the most severe nature, and with here and 
there a dead man lying before you, and your whole regiment 
lying on the ground in line of battle, bayonets fixed and pieces 
loaded, and fingers on the trigger, ready to draw at a moment's 
notice; eyes steadily fixed to the front, and eager to discern any 
advance of the enemy; and on either flank of the regiment a bat- 
tery of six pieces, and their accompaniments — caissons, limbers and 
annnunition wagons; men standing ready at the loaded cannon, 
ready to throw a shower of iron balls or screeching shells at 
the enemy on his first appearance in force, and you may have 
some idea of the scene of last Thursday morning. I would give 
you a lengthy account of all our movements since we left, two 
weeks ago to-night, and marched through Washington to Mary- 
land, and from there to the battle field, but I must reserve that 
for some future letter, and content myself with a few lines. I 
wrote a letter to Anna this afternoon, and sent it ofl' this eve- 
ning;. While I am writino; these words, our mail has come in, 
and a letter from Mary for me. I am glad mother is getting 
better, and trust and pray her health may be completely restored. 
* * * * I still ride Lieutenant Colonel's gray horse. He 
has not yet returned to his regiment, but will shortly return, as 
he has over four himdred men for the regiment, and has orders 
from the War Department to return when he has five hundred 
recruits. I have been in command of the Forty-third since the 
od of August, and have quite an experience as a conwianiUiig offi- 
cer. Gen. Hancock has been temporarily detailed to command 
Gen. Richaedson's Division, he having been wounded, and unable 
to command. Col. Cobb, Fifth Wisconsin Volunteers, assumes 
command of the brigade ^jro ie77i. We have completely driven 
the rebels from " my Maryland," and we are under orders to 
move at two a. m. to-morrow, so I must close and retire to my 
blanket. My love to all at home, and my regards to all my 
friends. I send you a letter from the battle field in lieu of a 
flower, which I have not been able to find, for you. JOHN. 

The following letters will be read with interest, as illustrating 
Col. Wilson's confidence in the final triumph of our arms; his 



COL. JOHN AVILSON. 169 

personal bravery on the field; his benevolence and his lofty 
patriotism in resisting the temptations to resign and retnrn to 
tne peace and comforts of his happy home: 

Camp xeak Belle Plain, December 9, 1862. 

Dear Kate — I have jnst received yonr letter of the 1st and 
Eliza's of the 2d instant. As we are under orders to move at a 
moment's notice to-morrow, I will write jow a few lines to-day, 
as I may not have an opportunity to do so again for some days; 
for in case of a move we cannot depend upon the mails l)eing 
reo'ular. We spent Thanksgiving in camp, without a turkey, as 
we were unable to procure any; but we had a Thanksgiving pre- 
sent in the shape of a chaplain for the Forty-third, the Eev. Mr. 
OsBORN, lately of West Troy, who gives promise of being a useful 
and energetic chaplain. I sincerely trust he may do much good 
to the regiment. We moved from our camp, near Aquia, on 
Thursday last, and encamped near Brooks' Station, on the rail- 
road from Aquia creek to Fredericksburg. It snowed hard all 
day Friday while we lay there, the snow melting fast, and at 
night when it ceased, there were but two or three inches of it 
on the ground. It froze a little that night, and on Saturday we 
moved to our present camp, the road being very muddy, the day 
cheerless and cold. Our wagons could not reach us that night, 
so we bivouacked, without blankets, by a good fire. The night 
was very cold, the ground freezing very hard, and on Sunday, at 
twelve M., our wagon train reached us with tents and food. The 
weather since has been very cold, the ground remaining frozen 
solid, and the roads firm, and thouo:h rough, in good condition 
for teaming. Winter campaigning, if this be a sample, is not 
very pleasant or comfortal)le work; but if we can overcome 
the rebellion by a vigorous campaign this winter, I for one am 
willing to undergo any hardship consequent thereto; but I have 
not much faith in a campaign in the winter, as it has seldom or 
ever proved successful. If we once get into winter quarters, I 
will try to get a furlough, but I begin to fear my Ijeing able to 
procure one by Christmas. 

The President's Message meets my hearty approbation; the 



170 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

proposed "compensated emancipation" especially. I trust it 
will meet with the earnest support of every lover of our Union 
and of humanity. Should it be adopted, the war, I think, would 
be materially shortened, and final peace be hastened. I think 
the doom of slavery approaches, and the end of the w^ar will be 
the end of its reign. 

I caimot but Ijelieve that this Republic will pass through its 
present trials unscathed; and although darkness spreads over it, 
and every thing looks dreary, yet the sun of freedom and peace 
will soon arise, and the day of prosperity appear brighter in 
contrast Avith the late obscurity. God only knows the sufiering 
and hardships of the soldier, and how w^elcome would be the 
tidings that peace was once more restored. Till that good news 
goes forth, let each stand firm, and the right must be the might. 
My love to all at home. Write soon to 

Your loving brother, JOHN. 

Camp near Rappahannock, Dec. Idth, 1862. 

Dear Eliza — I have at last an opportunity of answering your 
letter of Dec. 2d. Our tents came last evening, and I am once 
more permitted to handle a pen, and to w'rite home. I embraced 
the first opportunity to write a note in pencil, to Mother, to re- 
move any fears or rumors which might have existed as regards 
my own personal safety. I have myself, as well as all the offi- 
cers of the Forty-third, escaped unscathed. The regiment had 
eleven men wounded, of w^hich but two will prove very serious; 
one causing the amputation of the leg, aljove the knee; the other 
I cannot tell about, as the man was removed to the Corps hos- 
pital, and I have heard nothing since from him. He was shot 
by a bullet, which entered the back of the neck just below the 
skull; he w^as carried off from the field insensible. You will, no 
doubt, learn all the particulars of the engagement from the news- 
papers much more fully than I could give them to you. 

We crossed the river, Friday morning, and lay in line of battle 
till Saturday morning, when the engagement commenced in right 
earnest. We laid in diircrent parts of the field till Monday eve- 
ning, when the whole army was safely moved back across the 



COL, JOHN WILSON. 171 

river, without the loss of ;i man. Niglit before hist was a very 
cold one, and as we had no tents, we suflered some from the 
cold. We have been without our tents just one week, having 
only our blankets and overcoats to cover us. But the weather 
proved uncommonly favorable, and we have all become rather 
tough; so we do not complain at all of anything we have to 
suffer; our only murmurings and complaints being against the 
misfortune which seems to attend our arms. 

The carnage attending this last liattle was perfectly awful. 
Hancock's Division went into the tight with live thousand men; 
came out eighteen hundred strong, losing, in killed and wounded, 
tJiree thousand two kimdred men, tldriy-two officers killed, and one 
hioidred and fifty officers wounded. I have this account from an 
aid of the General, who had his horse shot from under him. 
Our division not being actually engaged with the intiintry of the 
enemy, suffered very slightly. We had to endure a very hot tire 
from the batteries of the enemy, however, and not a man flinched 
from his post. The discipline of the army, at least as far as I 
know of it, is all that could be expected; our recrossing the river 
in the time and manner we did, could only be done by well dis- 
ciplined troops. 

I do not know wh.at will be done by the army next, but think 
it must go into winter quarters — for a short time at least. Col. 
Baker is still absent from the regiment, and I have been in com- 
mand of it for five weeks to-day. I sometimes think he intends 
to give me command altogether of the Forty -third, as he has not 
written a single letter to any officer since he returned the last 
time. If he does not come back to the regiment soon, I shall 
give up all hopes of getting a furlough, as the time for it will be 
in a few days, or not at all this winter. I could not think of 
askino- tor one, if I was in command of the reo-iment — as it would 
demand my whole attention. 

You ask about my horse. He is a large fellow, six years old, 
iron gray, and can travel very fast. He was the best looking 
horse I could get from the corral; and although very lean when 
I got him, he promised to make a fine horse. He is imi)r()viiig 
some at present, although he has had a pretty hard time of it 



172 COL. JOHN M'lLSON. 

standing out these cold nights. The army, in a winter campaign, 
is a very hard phice for horses, and many die of exposure and 
hick of feed and attention. * * * 

Our new Chaphiin, Rev. Mr. Osbokn, has proved himself quite 
a hero — accompanying the regiment on the field, and going 
through the shelling quite courageously. He proved of great 
assistance in the Corps hospital, acting as recorder of all the 
wounded I)rought into one of the departments of it, and he has 
been detailed to go to Washington in charge of a number (ninety) 
of wounded, thus saving the services of one or more surgeons. 
He left on Thursday afternoon with his charge, and has not yet 
returned. He is a worker, and one of the few men I think pecu- 
liarly adapted to the service. I have great expectations of the 
good he will do in his lal)ors in the army, and think him just the 
man we have been looking and waiting for, for so long a time. 

* * * Give my regards to all ni}^ friends, and wish 
them all for me, as I wish all at home, "A Merry Christmas and 
a Happy New Year." 

Your loving brother, JOHN. 

Canp near Belle Plain, Va., Dec. 20, 1862. 

Dear Anna — To-day is Saturday, and a terril)ly cold l)lowing 
one; it froze very hard last evening, and was a severe night on 
horses and men. I have not been able to get a stove for my tent 
yet, and it is as cold as charity in it, in spite of a huge fire in 
front of it. I am now sitting in the Adjutant's tent writing to 
you. He managed to get a little stove, and his tent is the only 
comfortable one in camp. We moved to this camp yesterday; 
it was a fine short march of some four miles length. We are 
encamped very near our former camp near Belle Plain. We 
have a fine camp ground, a very good supply of oak wood stand- 
ing near camp, and awaiting the soldier's axe. I am still in com- 
mand of the regiment — Col. Baker being absent either at Albany 
or New York. I do not know when he will return, l)ut expect 
him every day. 

The whole Army of the Potomac, under General Burnside, 
has fallen back from the Kapvahamiock, and lies encamped in 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 173 

the vicinity of Belle Plain. Our future course of action is as 
yet uncertain. We shall probably lie here for three or four 
weeks, and then I should not be surprised if it would be " on to 
Richmond" again via James river. I think everything will 
depend on the movements of the enemy, and the course pursued 
by Congress this and the next month. Yet I hardly think avc 
shall lie idle longer than one month. If Col. Bakek were pre- 
sent with the regiment, I should at once forward an application 
for leave of absence; but until his return I do not feel at liberty 
to do it, even were I certain that it would be granted. I begin 
to fear the possil)ility of my getting a leave this winter, as I do 
not hear of any being granted at present. 

I am glad that the citizens of Albany are alive to their duty 
in assisting sick and wounded soldiers. The last battle will fear- 
fully swell the list, and too great efforts cannot be put forth for 
their assistance. If I could only get my pay, I would send 
mother my mite to use for charitable purposes; l)ut, you know, 
we have received no pay from the United States since July, and 
very soon there will be six months' pay due us. I suppose sixty 
or seventy dollars could be expended very easily in charity if I 
should send it home, which I will do as soon as I am paid. 

We had twelve men wounded in the Forty-third on the loth 
and 14th inst. We were under a very hot fire of shot and shell 
on Ijoth of those days, and it is a miracle that one-half of the 
rejriment were not wounded. This brio-ade is the most fortunate 
one, I think, in the whole army, as we have never met with severe 
loss, although our positions have always been among the most 
exposed. I can only account for it in the superior generalship 
displayed by its commander. Our division (Smith's old one), at 
present under command of General Howe, has the name of being 
one of the best fighting divisions in the Army of the Potomac. 
At the last battle our picket line, composed of two Vermont 
regiments, the Second and Fourth, held in check and fought for 
• over half an hour the combined picket and line of battle of the 
enemy opposed to us. They fought like lions, and many of them 
fell dead and wounded. They are no more than a sample of the 
regiments composing the division. 



174 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

But I must finish my letter hy wishing you all at home, and 
all my friends, a " Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," as 
I hope this will reach you in time for the first of these holidays. 
My love to all at home. How much I desire to be with you on 
Christmas or New Year; but here is my place. 

Your ever loving brother. JOHN. 

Camp near Belle Plain, Va., Dec. 23, 18(32. 

Dear Kate — I write you a few lines to-day, more especially 
to let you know that I am well, than to give you any news. 
Nothing of importance has transpired for the past few days; the 
army, as far as I can ascertain, remaining " in statu quo. " The 
weather has again moderated, and to-day is as balmy as May. I 
think a storm is not tar off, as it rained for a few minutes last 
night. The roads are again quite soft, as the frost is coming out, 
Avhich had entered the ground some two or three inches. The 
transportation of army supplies by wagons is not, however, much 
hindered as yet by the mud, but in case of a heavy rain it would 
be very heavy work. 

Rumors are current that the Army of the Potomac will not 
l)e allowed to go into any permanent winter quarters, but that 
in the course of a few days this part of it, in the vicinity 
of Fredericksl)urg, will be moved by transports to the James 
river, and thence to the vicinity of Harrison's Landing or Peters- 
burg, via the Appomattox. I should not be surprised in the 
least if these rumors should prove true, and that New- Year's day 
would find me on the James, or in the vicinity of the devoted city 
of Pichmond. 

Rumors are also current that the entire Cabinet, except Stan- 
ton and Halleck, have resigned. This I hardly credit, as I 
think Secretary Seward w^ould hardly desert the President now, 
in tlie time of his need. I think the upshot of the whole affair 
Avill be that " Little Mac " will be called to take command of the 
entire army of the United States, Avhich I do not doubt he Avould 
do if it were offered to him, as I think he would do anything in 
his power to conquer the rebellion, and win for our arms the 
long loolied for success and victory. 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 175 

Although things look gloomy and dispiriting enough just uoav, 
yet I think that He who presides over the destinies of nations, 
has not yet forgotten us as a Nation, and although through much 
tribulation, we sliall yet enter into a state of perfect peace (as 
far as peace on earth can be); and that in due time some one 
will be raised up who wall lead us on to victory, and right and 
justice assert its authority over oppression and wickedness. 
Althouo'h the nio-ht still <>rows blacker and ))lacker, and not a 
star, even, seems to illuminate our political horizon, yet I am 
led to hope that the watchman may soon have to say, " the morn- 
ing dawneth." 

In all our depressions, in all our reverses, wdien our enemies 
seem to triumph over us, and destiny seems to frown upon us, 
then we have one refuge to wdiich we can ahvays fiee; to Him 
who is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. 

I myself, although it seems like hoping against hope, can still 
say with the old Roman: " Never despair of the Republic." I 
cannot believe that such a great country as this, such a govern- 
ment, such a Nation, will be permitted to be torn asunder and 
totally disal)led; to be wrecked, and thrown to the winds; to be 
made the ol>ject of mockery of the whole w^orld. I still think 
that our continued troubles and afflictions are all ordered by the 
hand of God, and if "vve will but acknowdedge His hand, and bow 
before His sovereign will, all Avill l)e w^ell; and out of the great 
darkness He will command the light to shine ten-fold brighter 
than in the days gone by. 

For my part, I can only pray that I may do my duty, and that 
each of those in authority may do theirs; and that the hand of 
the Almighty may guide and direct our government, that all 
things may be done to the honor and glory of God, and that we, 
as a people, may be brought to say: "Not unto us, not unto us, 
but to Thy name be the praise and glory." 

Then, I think, w^e shall be victorious, and then w^e shall see peace 
and prosperity once more smiling upon us as of old, and we be 
that happy people w^hose God is the Lord. That this time may 
soon come, should be the prayer of all those whose country's 
cause is dear to their hearts; and for this hope alone, I remain 



176 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

still in the army of the Union, endeavoring to do all in my power 
to attain the grand object, viz: to crnsh the rebellion. I eon^ 
fess I did feel somewhat inclined to ofier my resignation when I 
fully understood the condition of affairs after the late battle at 
Fredericksburg, but upon thinking the matter over, I concluded 
that at this time, above all others, did it become me to remain at 
my post, especially as the Colonel of the regiment is, and has 
been, absent from the regiment upwards of a month, and the 
command has devolved upon me, which duty I have endeavored 
to perform to the best of my ability. I trust I have done right 
in remaining, and that when the war is over, I may look back 
and say with satisfaction, that " I have done my duty." Happy 
New Year to all at home, and much love to mother and all my 
sisters. From your loving brother, 

JOHN. 

Camp near Belle Plain, Va., ) 

Dec. Uth, 1862. \ 

Dear Mother — I was exceedingly happy to receive a letter 
from you day before yesterday. * * * 

I do not know but what you are about right, in relation to my 
resigning my position in the army, and coming home. I have 
thouoht the matter over and over again, and am still considering 
in my mind, whether I could, or not, honorably resign, and come 
home; Init the more I ponder over it, the more I am convinced 
that my duty demands my remaining where I am. "Where is 
your patriotism, of wdiich you felt so proud?" seems a voice 
within me to ask. "Where is your firmness, your devotedness 
to the Republic, and its welfore; your love of justice and of free- 
dom?" "Where your veneration for that old Flag, which, in 
days gone by, floated from every mast-head and from every 
house-top, from Maine to California?" "What excuse can you 
give for deserting the standard under which you have willingly 
enrolled yourself, now in the time of its greatest need?" " Of 
what l)enefit to your country have you been, if, after having but 
just learned to be of use to her, in a military point of view, you 
throw all your knowledge to the winds by a hasty resignation?" 



COL. JOIIX WILSOX. 177 

"Have you become so clemonilized, that you fear to longer en- 
dure the privations and hardsliips incident to an active campaign, 
and rather desire to return to your home, to the more agreeable 
duties of civil life, while those, as little able to endure the l)ur- 
dens of the war as you, remain, and earn for themselves a name 
which shall endure as long as the Nation exists?" " Do you sup- 
pose you have done your duty, your whole duty, and that you 
could satisfy your conscience, that not a regret or shadow of 
remorse would cross it, should you be compelled in future days 
to carefully review your course of action?" "What answer 
Avould you make to inquiries — ' Why did you resign? what made 
you leave the army?' " etc. 

These, and other questions of similar import, continually arise, 
to none of which I can make a satisfactory reply; and till I can 
do so, I shall consider it my duty to remain in the army, not 
simply to idly remain, but to do my duty to my utmost ability; 
to rise as high as I can, honorably and fairly; to return home 
from the war, if God wills, with a conscience assuring me of 
having done my duty, and having given all my power and 
strength to the support of my country in her hour of need, and 
having remained true and steadfast to the end. Rest assured, 
then, I have no intention of resigning, although you well know 
how much I desire to see you and my sisters again, to spend a 
few days at home — a place I cannot but hold most dear — and 
nuich more so, as I am daily convinced of the uncertainty of life, 
and the uncertainty of my beholding you all together again on 
earth: Bat I hope a way may be opened for me to get home for 
a few days, and that before long. I will embrace the first oppor- 
tunity to do so; and till then, ever believe me, 

Your loving and affectionate son, JOHN. 

Did our limits allow, we would gladly publish more of the 
letters of this gallant Christian soldier. But these must suffice 
to give a view of his military career, and of his qualities as an 
officer and a man. 

Possessing such rare talents, and distinguishing himself equally 
in the camp and on the battle field, he rapidly rose in rank, and 

12 



178 COL. JOHN AVILSON. 

we doubt not l)ut that he would have filled with honor the high- 
est position in the United States Armj. 

On the 17th of July, 1862, he was commissioned as Major, and 
as Lieutenant Colonel, September 24th, 1862; which rank he 
held till February 1st, 1864, when he received his commission 
as Colonel. He was in command of the regiment in 1862, from 
August 3d, till October 22d, commanding at the battle Antietam, 
September 17th. He was the only held officer present with the 
regiment. From November 4th till December 25th, he was in 
command, and was at the tirst battle of Fredericksburg. In 1863 
he was in command of the regiment from June 17th till August 
10th, leading it at the battle of Gettysburg, which was fought 
July 2d and 3d, 1863. 

He possessed a constitution naturally very strong and health- 
ful, yet he suffered from sickness during the encampment in the 
swamps before Richmond. Without proper nourishment, and 
unable to eat the only procurable food, he became so weak that 
he was not alile to march with the regiment when the army with- 
drew from that position. For several days he found conveyance 
with the wagon train. He suffered also from an attack of camp 
fever in July, 1862, but remained all the time with the regiment. 

Col, WiLSOX yielded to none of the temptations of camp life, 
but whatever he saw of evil seemed to be only a warning to him 
to shun it. He refrained ever from innocent indulgences, that his 
example to others might be the purer. An officer who was asso- 
ciated with him from the beginning of his early career, said of 
him, that " he was the most perfect man he ever saw," Hi;? com- 
manding personal appearance; his firmness; his love of the pro- 
fession of arms; his accurate knowledge and strict ol)servance 
personally of all duties connected with a soldier's life; his pure, 
unselfish patriotism, and above all, his faith in God, eminently 
fitted him for the position of commander. 

He was always hopeful and confident of the success of the 
army, and lielieved in the vigorous prosecution of the war. He 
had no personal fear in conflict, firmly believing that his life was 
in God's hands, and that under his protection he was as safe on 
the battle field as he would l)e at home. 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 179 

He was entirely tlevoted to the interests of the men under his 
charoe, both as captain of a company and after his promotion to 
the lield. He was always interested for the religions character 
of his associates in the army, an instance of which is seen in a 
letter to his mother, written January 16tli, 18G4, desiring her to 
present to a brother officer, whom he feared was careless' about 
religion, a Bible similar to one she had sent him. Of course, the 
gentleman was entirely unaware of his Colonel's agency in the 
matter, and received the book when he was in Albany, with evi- 
dent pleasure and promises to read it. This officer fell in the 
battle of the Wilderness. 

He won, in large measure, the friendship and esteem of those 
with whom he was associated. A letter written soon after his 
death, by a brother Colonel, speaks of him as many felt: " I can- 
not close this without adding something in memory of the 1)rave 
dead, my associate in the camp and on the ti(dd of battle, and 
personal friend, Col. John Wilson. In his death, our beloved 
country lost one of its firmest supporters and purest patriots; the 
service an accomplished soldier, and a refined and Christian gen- 
tleman. What the loss is to his family, the anguish of a mother's 
heart, and the deep grief of affectionate sisters, can alone tell. 
He was beloved by all who knew him personally, and honored 
and respected by all with whom he met. In his death, I lost a 
pure-minded and high-souled friend. No fitting eulogium can 
be paid to the dead who die in the defence of their country. 
Their deeds are more lasting than words, and no nobler epitaph 
can be written than ' killed in battle. May 6, 1864.'" 

Single-hearted himself, he never attriliuted unworthy motives 
to others, and strove always to do his duty without sparing him- 
self. 

The chaplain of the regiment says of him in a recent letter: 
" I think I never knew a man who so completely and truly made 
duty his watchword, and never one who had so thorough a con- 
viction, in all cii-cumstances, that the place of duty was the place 
of safety; and out of this conviction, I think, in great part grew 
his remarkable coolness in danoer. He believed that God 
directed and ordered the events of life and death, and that we 



180 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

could not, by any action of our own, change them. The result 
of this was a character which, in inhesitancy and directness, was 
perfectly Cromwellian.'" 

Maj. Gen. W. S. Hancock testifies to his character as a soldier 
in the following words: 

" Col. John Wilson, of the Forty-third New York Volunteers, 
was well known to me, and served under my command, in the 
Army of the Potomac, for a period of more than a year, 

"As his commander, I was early attracted hy his many good 
qualities, as a faithful and able officer, and had frequent oppor- 
tunities to notice his character and conduct. In paying this slight 
triljute to one who attested his devotion to his country by the 
sacrifice of his life, I desire to express in the strongest terms my 
appreciation of the many admirable and brilliant qualities he 
displayed while under my command. His amiable and chival- 
rous character, added to his gentle bearing, made him friends 
wherever he was known; and when he fell at the ' Wilderness,' 
while leading his command against the enemy, he was only 
exhibiting his accustomed example of daring courage and rare 
devotion to duty. He was mourned by myself, and by every 
officer and soldier with whom he had been associated," 

The following are the circumstances attending the death of Col. 
John Wilson, as given hy his personal servant : 

" On the morning of May 6, 1864 (Friday), Col. Wilson was 
slightly wounded in the calf of the leg during a hasty skirmish. 
He paid no attention to the wound, which had no serious eifect, 
as he was in excellent health and spirits, up to the hour of his 
receiving the wound which resulted in his death. 

" This occurred on the same day between the hours of five 
and six p. m., when the enemy made a most determined and 
fierce attack on the right of the Sixth Corps. The division on 
the right of Neil's Brigade gave way, and the Second Division 
bore for a long time the brunt of the battle. 

"At the first attack, and wdiile rushing to the front to place 
his regiment in the most favorable position. Col. Wilson was 
wounded, and the rebels charged completely over him — for 
awhile gaining ground. The Second Division rallying, drove 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 181 

the enemy from the position, recovering the person of their 
beloved commander. 

" It was found that the right knee was shattered by a rifle ball, 
and he was immediately carried some three miles to the rear to 
the Fifth Corps hospital — the enemy having in his temporary 
march cut off' communication with the Sixth Corps field hospi- 
tal. At ten A. M. the following day the surgeons decided that 
amputation might perhaps save the Colonel's life, and the limb 
was amputated. As he was carried from the operating table and 
laid beside Lieut. Col. Fryer, the latter said : ' I am sorry. 
Colonel.' The heroic answer was : ' Major, it is all for the 
old flag.' 

"About an hour after the operation, the Colonel was seized 
with a violent pain in the left side, which continued to increase 
in violence until a1)out twenty minutes after three. This violent 
pain seemed to be the direct cause of his death, which took place 
at about half past three. His last words were addressed to his 
faithful attendant. Moon, and were these : ' I can't stand it.' 

" That evening the Avhole army train, with the wounded, was 
to go to Rappahannock Station, but the enemy being reported at 
the fords of the Rapidan the destination was changed, and for 
some time it was uncertain where they were to go. 

" Sergeant Sweeney of Companv A, attached to the ammuni- 
tion and supply trains of the Artillery Brigade, Sixth Corps, did 
his best to bring off" the body of Colonel Wilson. For some 
time he was enalded to carry the body, which had been carefully 
Avrapped in l)lankets, but at a])out ten o'clock the medical direc- 
tor ordered the body to be buried, which was done. 

"The grave was marked with a simple head-board, and in 
order to identify the spot a rifle was buried in the same grave." 

Extract of a letter written to Mrs. Wilson by William Moon : 

" As soon as I found out that the Colonel was wounded, I went 
to the hospital where he was. I saw him on a table under the 
influence of chloroform. After his limb was amputated, he 
revived; I went to him, and he said he wanted me to stay with 
him. After that the}" removed him to the tent where Major 
Fryer was. We made a bed beside him for the Colonel. He 



182 COL. JOHN WILSOX. 

seemed to feel pretty well until about half past two, when he 
was taken with a pain in his left side. I went to the surgeon 
and told him, and he gave me a mustard plaster to put on his 
side. That did not ease the pain, and I went and told the sur- 
geon and he came himself to see him, and he gave him a pill, 
hut nothing could ease that pain. Just before he died he took 
my hand in his, and said : ' Moon, I can't stand it.' Those were 
the last words he said; he died very easy. I think if any man 
went to heaven he did." 

When the o-entleman who went to bring home the remains 
arrived at the scene of the conflict the ground was in possession 
of the enemy, as our forces, with the wounded, had withdrawn 
to Fredericksburg. He was well acquainted with the country 
al30ut there, and procured a flag of truce from Gen. Meade that 
he might bring off' Col. Wilson's body. The rebels refused to 
acknowledge a flag of truce from any other officer than Gen. 
Grant. It was procured, and he was enal^led to find the grave 
and hrmg away the body in safety. 

The remains reached Alliany on Wednesday, May 25th. The 
funeral took place on the following Sunday, May 29th. 

To appreciate the services of this distinguished officer, we 
need only trace the history of the Forty-third Kegiment that 
was fired with his zeal and animated l)y his patriotic enthusiasm. 

The regiment left Albany for Washington, Sept. 16th, 1861. 
It was mustered into the United States service Sept 22d, 1861, 
and was, by orders of the War Department, attached to the brig- 
ade commanded by Brig. Gen. W. S. ILvncock, Smith's Division. 
It took part in all the movements of the Army of the Potomac, 
from Centreville, via Alexandria, to Fortress ]\Ionroe and the 
Peninsula, arriving in front of the rebel works, at Lee's Mills, 
April 5th, 1862. April 16th it supported the batteries of the 
division in their spirited attack on the rebel works, losing one 
man wounded. April 28th it covered a working party beyond 
the picket line; skirmished with the enemy for an hour and a 
half, losing one man killed, one officer and eleven men wounded. 
On the withdrawal of the army from the front of Richmond, the 
Forty-third held the extreme right of the line of the Chicka- 



COL. JOIIX WILSON. 183 

hominy, thrice repulsing the famous Eighth Georgia Regiment, 
and holding the ground until after dark, contributing greatly to 
the successful withdrawal of Porter across the river. It lost, 
in the action, forty-three men killed and wounded. Throughout 
the famous seven daj's' battles, and in the subsequent campaign 
of Pope before Washington, and McClellan in Maryland, the 
regiment was present at every engagement from Golden Farm to 
Antietam. While at Harrison's Landing the old companies were 
consolidated into five, and live full companies were recruited and 
officered in Albany, N. Y., to till the regiment to the required 
standard. These companies were mustered into the U. S. service 
Sept. 14th, 1862, and joined the old regiment in Maryland. 

After the battle of Fredericksburg, where the regiment lost 
twelve men killed and wounded, it was deemed advisable to or- 
ganize a Light Division for the most arduous duties. The Forty- 
third was one of the live regiments selected from the army to consti- 
tute the infantry force. At the battle of Fredericksburg, the Light 
Division carried the pontoons one mile and a quarter by hand 
and at night, completely surprising the enemy. When the first 
assaulting column on the morning of May 3d, had been repulsed 
in its attack upon Marye's Heights, the task of carrying this 
redoubtable position was entrusted to the Light Division. The 
colors of the Fortj^-third were the first planted upon their part 
of the works. The regiment captured in the charge two guns and 
seventy-five prisoners, pursuing the retreating enemy to Salem 
Heights, and the following night, together with the Sixth Maine 
regiment, repulsing a brigade of the enemy who attempted to 
cut off the retreat to Bank's Ford; losing in both actions, two 
hundred men and eleven officers. In the second Maryland cam- 
l^aign, the brigade to which the Forty-third was attached, marched 
thii'ty-two miles in twenty-four hours. July 2cl, 1863, it reached 
Gettysburg to take part in that battle; drove back the enemy's 
skirmishers on the extreme right and established a line, which 
was held until the close of the enofao-ement, losino; one officer 
and tAvo j^rivates killed. In the subsequent movements to the 
Papidan, the regiment bore its share of the dangers and hard- 
ships. On the occasion of the brilliant afiair at Pappahannock, 



184 " COL. JOHN WILSON, 

resulting in the capture of four guns, two lu-igades of infantry 
and eight l)attle flags, the Forty-third drove the enemy's skir- 
mishers on the extreme right, procuring a position for artillery, 
and preventing the escape of any part of the force up the river, 
thus contributing to the completeness of the victory. The loss 
in the action was four men killed and six wounded. 

After the Chancellorsville campaign the Light Division was 
discontinued and the regiment was assigned to the Third Brig;ide, 
Second Division, Sixth Corps, in which it subsequently served. 

Col. Wilson, during his whole connection with the regiment, 
was never al>sent from it at the time of an engagement, and 
passed through the following battles: Lee's Mills, April 29th, 
1862; Warwick Creek, April 30th, 1862; Siege of Yorktown, 
1862; Golden's Farm, June 27th, 1862; Seven days' battles, 
1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1862; Fredericksburg, Dec. 12th, 
13th, 14th, 1862; Marye's Heights, May 3d, 1863; Salem Church, 
May 3d, 4th, 1863; Bank's Ford, May 4th, 1863; Fredericks- 
burg, June 5th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 2d, 3d, 1863; Eappa- 
hannock Station, Nov. 7th, 1863; Locust Grove, Nov. 27th, 1863; 
Mine Run, Nov. 29th, 1863; Wilderness, May 5th and 6th, 1864. 

He was in the service of the United States from August 3d, 
1861, till the time of his death, May 7th, 1864. 

Each of these names and dates is radiant with the valor, the 
pure patriotism and the iron energy of our departed hero. Could 
we give the minute details of the part he l)ore in these succes- 
sive bloody scenes — could we depict his thousand acts of bravery, 
of self-sacrifice, and of devotion to his country's cause, the his- 
tory would present one of the most l)rilliant records of the war. 

Of this remarkable regiment and its gallant officers, the Albany 
Knickerbocker thus speaks, under date of May 17th, 1864. 

FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT THEIR G^VLLANTRY HOW COL. WILSON 

AND MAJOR WiVLLACE WERE KILLED. 

"Few regiments engaged in the recent desperate conflicts at 
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House suffered more 
severely, or accomplished more brilliant achievements than the 
gallant old Forty-third. Its previous record was a proud one, 



COL. JOHN WILSON". 185 

l)iit its late daring denioiistratioiis climax anything lioTctofore 
undertaken by the noble boys. Capt. Wm. Thompson, of Com- 
pany H, is now in the city sullering from a severe wound in the 
foot, which he sustained the tirst day while in charge of a picket 
line. From him we learn some of the actions of the regiment 
during the tight, and also how his gallant Colonel and ^lajor met 
tlieir deaths. 

" The Forty-third Eegiment was in Neil's Brigade, which was 
deployed to the front as skirmishers on the first daj^, supported 
by Seymour's Brigade. On that occasion the regiment lost only 
four men. On the second day the regiment was formed in line 
of battle for a charge on the enemy, who w^ere undertaking to 
execute a flank movement on the Forty-third. Col. Wilson see- 
ino- this, o-ave the order : ' Charo-e front to rear on eighth com- 
pany;' and the order was no sooner uttered than he received the 
fatal wound. He was carried from the field by a couple of his 
men, when amputation was resorted to, and he died from the 
effects. His only words were : ' I care not for myself, but my 
poor mother.' 

"About an hour subsequent to Col. Wilson being shot, Major 
Wallace, who was in charge of his old company, was killed. 
This company lost all but one man, Thomas Kelly, of Canal 
street, in killed, wounded, or missing. The command now 
devf)lved upon Lieut. Col. Fryer, who led the regiment in the 
charge. They carried everything before them until they reached 
the rifle pits of the enemy, into which they charged in a terrific 
manner. Christopher Hackett, the color-bearer, was seen to 
plant the colors on the enemy's works, but neither he nor the 
colors were seen afterwards, and both arc supposed to be cap- 
tured. He was a brother of Miss Hackett, the celebrated singer. 
Two reliel colors were captured by the Forty-third; one of these 
was in the hands of Capt. Burhans, wdio was carrying it off, 
when he himself was captured and taken off a prisoner. 

"It was while superintending all these noble deeds that Lieut. 
Col. Fryer received his mortal wounds, and from which he has 
since died. The regiment lost all its field officers — killed. All 
the line officers who entered the fight were either killed, wounded, 



186 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

or missing, save Capt. Visscher and Lient. Reid. The regiment 
went in with about four hundi-ed men, and came out with eighty- 
six. This is a record that few regiments can show, and one of 
which our citizens and country should feel proud." 

The bereaved family of the departed Christian soldier were 
consoled by several touching letters from friends, and testimonials 
to the worth of Col. Wilson. The following is from Prof. Mur- 
ray, of Rutgcr's College, formerly Principal of the Albany 
Academy: 

Mrs. Wilson: 

My Dear Madam — You ask me to write down my recollections 
of your son, John Wilson, late Colonel of the Forty-third regi- 
ment of New York Volunteers. The task you ask me to perform 
would be a delightful one, were it not that it recalls the memory 
of his sad fate, and the irreparal^le loss which 3'ou and all of us 
have sustained. Kecollection travels backward, in the reverse 
order from the march of events, and gathers up first the scenes 
which last transpired. And now while I sit here, trying to col- 
lect together the broken fragments which my memory retains of 
his life and character, the first picture which presents itself is 
one which I saw in April, 1864. 

I was making a l)rief visit to my friend, Gen. Patrick, in»the 
Army of the Potomac, which then lay in its winter quarters on 
the south side of the Rappahannock river. It was just prior to 
the opening of the campaign toward Richmond, which resulted 
a few weeks later in those terrible battles of the AVilderness, in 
which so many gallant men, and Col. Wilson among the num- 
ber, lost their lives. I remember that upon the one day of sun- 
shine, out of the rainy ones I sp( nt in cam}), I rode out with 
Gen. Patrick on a brief tour of ()l)servation. A young officer 
from the west, whose name had scarcely been heard in the Army 
of the Potomac, had just come to assume connnand of the cavalry 
corps. My friend called to pay his respects, and we saw for the 
first time Gen. Sheridan, whose name has since been heard in 
every civilized land. 



COL. JOHN WILSOX. 187 

We visited the head-quarters of the Sixth Corps, then iiiuler 
the coniniaiul of that prince of corps commanclcrs, Gen. Sedg- 
AvicK, Avhoni the soldiers fondly called " Uncle Johx." As we 
rode away from Gen. Sedgavick's head-quarters, I remember turn- 
ing to Gen, Patkick and saying: " General, I have been looking all 
day for fortifications, where are they?" "There they are," said 
he, pointing to an opposite eminence, on which a regiment was 
going through its evolutions. " Where," I repeated. " There, 
those fellows in blue, thc}^ arc our fortifications." As -sve rode 
past this regiment, its commander galloped up to us. It was 
Col. Wilson, and this regiment was the Forty-third New York. 
He took me into his tent, and we enjoyed a delightful chat on 
our common friends, and on matters of common interest in Albany. 

The Albany Bazaar had just closed its triumphant career, and 
I remember with what delight he showed me the photographs, 
illustrative of its scenes, which you had sent him. And as he 
talked there of the dangers through wliich he had passed in the 
war with his regiment, and spoke so ])ravely and hopefully of 
the coming campaign, which they all knew would be a desperate 
one, I thought then, and I think now, that I never had seen a 
more noble, gallant looking officer. And when a few weeks later 
I heard of his death, it was one of the saddest of the many tales 
of sorrow which came to my ears at that terrilde time. 

My recollections of Col. Wilson, at the Albany Academy, are 
of the most pleasing description. I remember him as a bright 
little lad, when I first came to the Academy. I l)elieve he had 
already been a student there several years before that time. 
Indeed, I suppose his education was begun as well as finished at 
this institution. Ilis classical training was chiefly conducted 
under Prof. Miller, and was, as 3'ou may be well assured, ex- 
tensive and thorough. 

Among a class of young men, whose classical reading extended 
to the Greek tragedies, and included selections from all the prin- 
cipal Greek and Latin authors which are read in college, he was 
selected as entitled to the Van Rensselaer classical medal; and 
what was very miusual, he was in the same year the recipient 
of the Caldwell medal for superior proficiency in mathematics. 



188 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

As a student, he was a universal favorite with teachers and 
pupils. He had a manly independence about him which com- 
manded respect. He w^as diligent and persistent in his duties as 
a studejit, not easil^^^ discouraged, not easily elated, indeed, but 
working on with a steady purpose and a persevering temper. 
There were among his compeers young men more brilliant in 
particular branches, and who acquired with less labor; but there 
were few who, in a, happy Imlance of faculties, and in careful 
habits of a})plication, were in the race of scholarship more likely 
to succeed. He had a natural shrinking from prominence and 
publicity, and hence I think his more public duties of declama- 
tion and speaking at exhibitions, were always distasteful to him. 

There were as his cotemporaries in the Academy an unusual 
imml)cr of young men whose character and attainments were 
notal)le. I could name many, a little older than himself, and 
many of about his own age, who have already attained in busi- 
ness and professional life, positions of great usefulness and 
promise. There seemed to be a tone of manliness and earnest- 
ness pervading these young men, even during their academic 
career, which enabled one to prophecy their future integrity and 
success. 

And yet it is sad for me, when I look at this brilliant array of 
young men, who were cotemporaries of Col. Wilson in the 
Academy, to see how many have already been cut off. John H. 
Meads, memora1)le to all who knew him for the loveliness of his 
person and character; Orlando Meads, Jr., his Ijrother; Heeer 
Smith, who perished in the war; Richard M. Strong, another 
costly sacrifice; Edward D. Wait, James H. Bogart, William 
H. Pohlman, Alexander B. McDoual, all were his contempo- 
raries, and all are dead. All of them had the brightest prospects 
in life; they had friends w^ho loved them; they had careers of 
usefulness opening up before them; and yet all, in their early 
manhood, have been cut off. To those who, like Col. Wilson, 
gave their lives for their country, we all owe a lasting debt of 
gratitude; and it cannot but be a consolatory reflection, even in 
this great sorrow, and under the sense of your irreparable loss, 



COL. JOHN AVILSON. 189 

that his life was sacriliced in his country's cause, and that all 
posterity will bless his memory. 

With the kindest regards, 

I am your obedient servant, 

DAVID MURRAY. 
Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J., 3Iarch 3, 18(J5. 

The following letter is from the warm heart of a loving friend: 

New Orleans, June 24, 1864. 

My Dear ]\Irs. Wilson — I think that I have never felt the utter 
inadeqnacy of Avords to express emotions as I have felt them since 
the sad news reached me of your terrible bereavement — of 3'our 
almost second widowhood — in the loss of your noble son. 

Terril)ly crushing, I know, the l)low must have been on your- 
self and your dear daughters, who had every opportunity to 
know his excellence and api)reciate his value, and could rejoice 
that he was your own son and brother; for I have not myself 
been yet able, to control my emotions, when alluding to him whom 
I had learned to love so much. From his early youth I had 
watched with delight the gradual, l)ut sure development of all 
those qualities of mind and physical elements which made him 
so nearly a perfect man. For more than two years past John 
Wilson had been, to my mind, the type of manly beauty in its 
full development, while his mind and soul were of the character 
to intensify the admiration and deepen the regard which obser- 
vation of him in previous years had caused me to feel for him. 

It has been to many, I doubt not, as it was to myself at times, 
cause for surprise that John should have felt it to be his duty to 
leave the dear ones at home to do battle for his country and the 
maintenance of the Right; l)ut those who knew him best do best 
know that it was probably the very strength of the temptation 
to remain at home, and the strong reasons that could be urged in 
its behalf, that caused him the more determinedl}' to resist it, 
from a conviction that all had a duty to discharge in this terrible 
struggle, and he became — 

" More brave for this, that he had much to love." 



190 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

He, more nearly than any man whom I have ever knoAvn so 
well, was described in these lines of Wordsworth : 

'• Whom neither shape of danger could dismay, 
Nor thought of tender happiness betray ; 
Who, not content that former worth stood fast, 
Looked forward, persevering to the lust; 
From well to better, dailj' self surpassed, 
Found comfort battling in a righteous cause, 
And, while the mortal mist is gathering, draws 
His breath in confidence of Heaven's applause." 

No pnrer life, no braver sonl, no more manly form, no more 
constant heart has been oflered up since the commencement of 
this struo-o-le than him whose loss we mourn. 

" He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow," 
is the touching description given by the evangelist in the case 
of the young man of Nain, when his l)ody was met by the Sav- 
iour; and how often have these words rung in my ears even 
while your son was living, as I treml)led in apprehension of the 
result, and realized how much of the happiness of the circle at 
home depended on the preservation of his life. Trembled, too, 
because I knew he was not the man to save himself from any 
exposure, for he had deliberately chosen his position, and from 
it, no consideration of personal danger could for a moment swerve 
him. 

"I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me," said the 
Psalmist when mourning the loss of a beloved child, and this 
thought will be your consolation in this your hour of deep atilic- 
tion. In the l)eautiful words of Bishop nel)er: 

" Wake not, mother! sounds of lamentation! 
"Weep not, O widow! weep not hopelessly! 
Strong is His arm, the Bringcr of Salvation, 
Strong is the word of God to succor thee." 

May God cnaLle you constantly to repose in the confident faith 
that " He doeth all things well." For His own wise purpose He 
has used the young life of 3'our beloved son, so that it has been 
of more value, than the combined lives of thousands, who have 
sluggishly plodded out their three score and ten. 



COL. JOHN AVILSON. 191 

'•' Men live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; 
In feelings, not in figures on a dial. 
We should count time by heart throbs. lie most lives 
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best, 
And he whose heart beats quickest lives the longest. 
Life is but a means unto an end; that end, 
Beginning, mean and end to all things — God. 

Judged by this, the only true test, your son was not cut off 
with his labor unperformed, but with every duty discharged, and 
bis life-work done. 

What a precious consolation you must experience as you now 
reflect that your dear son had early given himself to Jesus, and 
that, during the remaining years of your pilgrimage, you can 
look forward, in the full assurance of faith, to the time that j^ou 
shall join the compau}- of the redeemed ones and receive the 
welcome of husband and children gone Ijcfore — part of your 
inestimable " tTeasures in Heaven." 

" And when the Lord shall summon us 
Whom thou hast left behind. 
May we, untainted by the world. 
As sure a welcome find. 

" May each, like thee, depart in peace, 
To be a glorious guest 
Where the wicked cease from troubling. 
And the weary are at rest." 

That such may be the happy lot of each aiid all of us, through 
the mercy and merits of Christ, I earnestly hope and pray; and 
that God may vouchsafe to you and your dear ones the consohi- 
lions of His Holy Spirit, leading you in the green pastures, and 
by the still waters of his grace, and enaliling you, though you 
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, to fear no evil, 
but to find Him with you, and his rod and staft" to comfort and 
support you; that you may find him a very present help in every 
time of need, is the earnest prayer of 

Most sincerely your friend, 

WM. RICHARDSON. 

Mrs. Ann Wilson, Albany, N. Y. 



192 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

The following is a most valuable testimonial to the Colonel's 
Christian character : 

South Dedham, Mass., May 22, 1864. 

My dear Mrs. Wilson — I have learned through the papers of 
your sad bereavement, and though I know that no earthly hand 
c:in bring relief from so overwhelming a sorrow, yet I thought 
that a little comfort might be found for 3'ou in the words of sym- 
pathy, and of testimony to the Christian character of your dear 
son, which I could speak. 

Sometimes there is fear in the nn'nds of Christian friends at 
home, lest their friends may not maintain their religious charac- 
ter amidst the temptations of arni}^ life; and when they are taken 
away from us, the one source of consolation is in the assurance 
that they were ready for the great change which has passed 
upon them. But I can testify, as no one else perhaps is able to 
do, that John Wilson maintained in. tJie army a worthy Cliridian 
character^ that he did not yield to its temptations, but that he 
was as good a soldier of Jesus Christ as he was of his country, 
and this is saying a great deal for one who was looked up to as 
the " best lield officer in the brigade." 

I have not yet learned the particulars of his death, but in rela- 
tion to this subject I do not need to ask them, for I know how 
he lived] I know his faith in God; I know his tender conscience; 
I know his noble heart, and everybody in the circle of his army 
acquaintance knew his spotless life. 

I am not mentioning these things for the sake of praising 
him — that will not be lacking from other lips and hands — but 
that you, who are so deeply afflicted in his loss, may, with the 
greater confidence, apply to him the words of inspiratiou: " Say 
ye to the righteous it shall l)e well with him." 

I have, since his death, thought of a hundred incidents and 
habits connected with my intercourse with him, while Chaplain 
of the regiment, and of one with peculiar pleasure: Whenever 
we were on the march or in line of battle on Sunday, when no 
religious services were practicable, he used always to say to me 
at some lime wlieu we halted, " Come, Chaplain, road to the Major 
and me a chapter or two in the l)ible," and those little Sunday 



COL. JOHN WILSON. 193 

bible readings are among the most pleasant memories of our 
intercourse. 

He always stood l)y my side when we had preaching, and his 
voice was always heard in the song of praise to God at our 
meeting's. No one who knew him there will doubt that he 
honored his Christian profession, and had a great influence for 
ffood with the men of the regiment. 

We think and talk a great deal of you all, and very much 
desire to see you. It is the sweetest thought we have in such 
sorrow, that the parting is not to be long, and that we shall all 
soon be together at God's right hand. 

Your friend, C. OSBORN. 

Let me add the follow^ing merited tribute from the Common 
Council of the city of Albany: 

Alb.\ny, 3Iai/ 17, 1864. 

At a regular meeting of the Common Council, held at their 
rooms this day. His Honor the Mayor announced to the board 
the death of Col. John Wilson, as follows: 
Gentlemen of the Comonon Council: 

The sad events of this war have taken from our midst another 
brave, devoted and gallant soldier, whom we were wont to meet 
in fraternal relations. It has pleased God, in his mysterious 
providence, to remove by death our much esteemed fellow citi- 
zen. Col. John Wilson, of the Forty-third Eegiment New York 
State Volunteers, who died from the effects of wounds received 
while gallantly charging the enemy's works at the recent battle 
of the Wilderness, in Virginia, thus adding another name to the 
already long list of Albany's noble sons who have laid their lives 
a voluntary sacrifice upon the altar of our country; therefore, 

Resolved, That we recognize in Col. Wilson a young man of 
the rarest excellence of character, whose gentlemanly deport- 
ment, unassuming manners and social virtues endeared him to all 
who shared his acquaintance, and who, although surrounded by 
all the endearments of a most pleasant home, hesitated not, when 
his country called, to sacrifice every personal interest, sever 

13 



194 COL. JOHN WILSON. 

every endearing tie, and exchange the comforts of a happy home 
for the hardships of the tented field. 

Resolved^ That his was no ordinary sacrifice. That those who 
knew his circumstances and relations in life best, can not but 
appreciate the pure, unselfish, devoted patriotism that prompted 
him to enter upon a career where, personally, he had everything 
to lose and nothing to gain. 

Resolved, That in his death our country has lost one of her 
most earnest, faithful defenders, our city one of its brightest 
ornaments, and his family a most dutiful son and loving brother. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the bereaved 
family in their severe afiliction, and while we share with them 
the sorrow, we may also share the abiding consolation that the 
loss to us of one so noble, pure and virtuous, can not be other 
than his eternal gain. 

Resolved, That to his remains and memory are eminently due 
the highest respect that a city can pay to her most valiant sons. 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to make all 
necessary arrangements for the funeral of the lamented Colonel 
Wilson, on the day to be appointed after the arrival of his 
remains, and that the members of the Common Council will 
attend his funeral in a body, and wear the usual badge of 
mourning. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be signed by the 
Mayor and Clerk, and sent to the family of the deceased. 

The above preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, 
and Messrs. Amsdell, Johnson, Tracey, Judson and Bancroft 
appointed the committee. 

MARTIN DELAHANTY, 

Clerk of Common Council. 



COL. ailCIIAEL K. P.RYiVN. 195 



VII. 

COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN 

This able and distinguished officer was born in the county of 
Cork, Ireland, in the year 1820. He was the son of David Bryan 
and Mary Kirk Bryan, who emigrated to this country in the 
year 1827, and settled in Albany, N. Y., where the family has 
since resided. 

The father of Col. Bryan died many years since, noted for his 
integrity and industry, but left only a good name to his children. 
His mother was the daughter of Capt. John Kirk, who owned 
and commanded a merchant vessel, and like most of his family, 
followed the sea. She still resides at Albany with her daughter- 
indaw, the widow of Col. BRYiVN, a most worthy and enterprising 
woman, who, upon the death of her husband, was left with four 
children. 

Col. Bryan spent his bojhood in Albany, where he received a 
limited education in the schools of the city. He, however, greatly 
improved himself in after years by devoting his leisure hours to 
the cultivation of his mind. He entered into the employ of his 
cousin. Col. John McCardel, of Alliany, as a clerk, at the age 
of fifteen, and remained most of the time with him in that capa- 
city till 1853, when he, through the assistance of his late em- 
ployer, commenced business for himself. He became the pro- 
prietor of a restaurant and hotel in Albany, in which business he 
continued till his entrance into the service of the government in 
1861. 

From his youth, he was always a member of some military 
organization. About the year 1850, he was chosen Captain of 
the Albany Worth Guards, which company he commanded for 
several years. By his skill and perseverance, he brought them 



196 COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 

to a high state of discipline, when he was promoted to the office 
of Major of the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York Militia. 
Shortly after he was chosen to fill the office of Lientenant Colo- 
nel, and finally Colonel of this famous regiment, which, under 
his command, became the most efficient and best disciplined regi- 
ment of the State, outside of New York city. 

When Fort Sumter was fired upon in April, 1861, he was at 
the head of this organization; and on the 21st of April, 1861, at 
eleven o'clock, p. m., the order reached him in his place of busi- 
ness, from Gov. Morgan, to at once proceed with his regiment 
to Washington, D. C. He summoned his officers to his quarters 
at midnight and issued his orders, and at eight o'clock a. m., the 
next morning, the regiment was in line, ready to take the Hud- 
son River railroad cars to New York. 

This memorable morning of the 22d of April, found many of 
the members of the regiment in the workshop. When the order 
reached them they rushed to the armory, put on their uniforms, 
and took their places in the ranks. A majority of them were 
laborers and mechanics; they were also husbands and fathers, 
with those as dear to them as life, and dependent upon them for 
support. Their wives and children only had time to bid them 
"good bye" at the armory of the regiment; many of them not 
having had time to go from their workshops to their homes, 
before the regiment was to move. 

About one o'clock the Twenty-fifth Regiment, under command 
of Col. Bry^\n, left the armory and were escorted to the Hudson 
River ferry boat by the entire fire department of the city, under 
command of Chief Engineer McQuade, and Company B, Capt. 
AiNSWORTH. The march through Eagle, State street and Broad- 
way was a complete ovation. The streets were densely packed 
with human beings, and the houses and house-tops were lined 
with our citizens. Cheer after cheer rent the air, and at times 
the wildest excitement pervaded the dense assemblage. From 
the windows the ladies waved their handkerchiefs, while from the 
tops of houses guns and pistols were fired, amid the vociferous 
cheers of the spectators. The regiment, on their march to the 
cars, halted in front of Stanwix Hall, on Broadway, for the pur- 



COL. MICIIiVEL K. BRYAN. 197 

pose of receiving their flag from Mrs. Mayor Thacher. The 
street was densely crowded, and after quietness had been re- 
stored, Mayor Thacher came forward and spoke as follows: 
" Col. Bryan, Officers and Soldiers of the 2blJi Regiment: 

" Mrs. Thacher requests me to convey her compliments to the 
regiment, and to say to you, that she presents you this banner 
as a token of her appreciation of your high character as soldiers, 
and as an incitement to nol)le and heroic deeds. She bids you 
bear it to the war, to watch it in the hour of battle as the emblem 
of all that is dear to us as citizens and patriots. Never let it 
go down, as long as a single man in the regiment shall survive. 
Should a kind Providence spare you to return, we shall expect 
you to bring it with you. Bring it though it may be riddled with 
balls, but let it never come back to us polluted by the touch of 
a traitor's hand. 

"Remember, soldiers, that the dear ones you leave at home — 
your wives, your children, your sisters, your brothers and friends 
are to share in your glory or disgrace. They weep at your 
departure. They will pray for you while absent; but should 
you turn your back upon that flag or alloAv it to trail in the dust 
through cowardice, they will spurn you forever. 

"Farewell, then, noble patriots, farewell. God bless you. 
Should any of you fall in battle, we will revere your memory 
and testify our gratitude by caring for and comforting the dear 
ones who, above all, will mourn your loss. Again we say, fare- 
well." 

Upon Mrs. Thacher delivering the flag over into the hands of 
the standard-bearer, the band struck up the "Star-Spangled Ban- 
ner," amid the vociferous cheers of the vast multitude. Colonel 
Bryan, in behalf of the regiment, accepted the flag and made 
the following reply : 

" Mr. Mayor — When, on the 22d of February last, the regi- 
ment paraded in their new uniforms, with which the men had 
equipped themselves at their own expense, and which now ena- 
bles them to promptly respond to their country's call, they may 
have expected to receive some such mark of esteem and regard 
from their friends. But little did they think that it would occur 



198 COL. MICHAEL K. BEYAK. 

on such an occasion as this. The regiment was early in vohm- 
teering, l)ut is called away with unexpected suddenness, and 
many are unprepared except at heart. It was only last night 
that the order for the departure of the regiment to-day was given, 
and it was received too late to make it generally known until 
this morning; and many left their workshops in their working 
clothes to respond. 

"A number are without uniforms, but all have good muskets 
and stout hearts, and they will do whatever may become men in 
their country's service. In their behalf, I accept this beautiful 
flag, promising that wherever they go it shall go, whether on the 
battlefield or elsewhere; carried forward and upheld by the strong 
arms of men, who will feel that in preserving it untarnished by 
dishonor they will be doing good service in the most sacred 
cause. 

' ' For the sake of their own reputation — for the sake of the 
esteem of their fellow-citizens — for the love of those nearest and 
dearest to them, and in the performance of that duty which every 
loyal citizen owes to the most glorious country in the world, the 
regiment will, to the utmost of their ability, and with all their 
hearts, protect these colors from insult and tarnish. 

"And now permit me, your honor, to observe that the men under 
my command have been called away from their homes very sud- 
denly. Many of them have families that are dependent on therr 
daily labor for the comforts and necessaries of life. Thus sud- 
denly ordered away, they have been unable to make such provi- 
sion for them as the love of husband, father, brother, or sou dic- 
tate. They are compelled to appeal to their fellow-citizens, 
those who will remain at home, to see to it that they arc not per- 
mitted to want. It is not weakness to say that it is hard to part 
with our wives and our dear little ones; but an imperative duty 
calls, and much, indeed all, of sadness on our part will vanish, 
under the assurance that, although al)sent, those we love most 
dearly will have kind and generous-hearted friends ever ready 
to cheer and aid them. 

" With this assurance, your honor, tlu; Twenty-fifth will march 
at the tap of tlie diiiin, wherever duty calls, in the service of 



COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 199 

their country, with light hearts and a determination to win vic- 
tory for themselves, peace for their country, and honor for the 
city of their homes. 

" We venture our lives in this cause, and ask in return that you 
who have fortunes, will risk those fortunes in sustaining us and 
ours." 

Immediately after the presentation of the flag, the regiment 
resumed their line of march, and as they flanked into Maiden 
Lane the wildest excitement ensued. Cheer after cheer rever- 
berated through the street, and the soldiers left the city amid 
the booming of artillery. They proceeded, by railroad, to New 
York; thence by water to Annapolis, Md.; and thence to Wash- 
ington b}^ land. They arrived on the 27th day of April, 18G1, 
the flfth militia regiment that reached the National Capital, after 
the breaking out of the rebellion. 

Col. Beyan at once reported to General Scott, who assigned 
his regiment to duty. He was received with much favor and 
respect by President Lincoln, who visited every company in this 
command, and shook hands with every officer and jprivate in the 
regiment. On the 23d of May, Col. Bryan was ordered to cross 
the Potomac into Virginia. At midnight he led his connnand 
across the long bridge at Washington, and marched to Arlington 
Heights. His regiment first took possession of the spot where 
Fort Albany now stands, on the morning of the 24th of May, 
1861. There they built that structure, and named it for their 
own home. 

Col. Bryan's command that morm'ng captured a portion of the 
rebel pickets, the first prisoners taken in eastern Virginia after 
the breaking out of the war. Col. Bryan remained with his com- 
mand at Fort Albany till the expiration of the term of three 
months, when, on the first of August, he returned to Albany and 
was mustered out of service with his regiment. Durino- this 
short term of service he repeatedly received the highest com- 
mendations from his superior officers. 

Again, in 1862, he was ordered, on the last of June, to pro- 
ceed at once to Virginia with the Twenty-fifth Regiment New 
York Militia. He was stationed with his command duriuij; this 



200 COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 

three months' term of service, at Suffolk, Va., where he was 
assigned to the performance of outpost and picket duty in that 
Department. On the 1st of Septeml^er, 1862, he left Suffolk, 
Va., with his command, and also with the Thirteenth New York 
Militia, who were on the way to New York city, he having been 
designated as commanding officer of the two regiments till they 
should reach New York. 

At Norfolk he embarked with his command (the Twenty-fifth 
and Thirteenth Neiv York Militia) on board the steamship Baltic, 
and started for New York. When the ship had proceeded about 
one hundred and fifty miles, she struck a shoal about four o'clock, 
p. M., and was stranded fast on the ground. She had fifteen 
hundred men on board, and was fifty-six miles from land, with 
night almost upon them. The position was one of great peril. 

All the efforts of the Captain of the ship and his crew to get 
the vessel off' proved unavailing. When it was about dark. 
Captain Comstock, the commander of the vessel, announced to 
the Colonel that they were in great danger, and without hope of 
extricating the ship that night, and that the only course left was 
to try to get word to some other vessels to come and assist them 
and take off the men. The alarm gun was fired, and the signal 
of distress given, when, finally, a schooner came in sight, and 
took off' as many men as she could carry, which was about five 
hundred. 

The vessel and the rest of the command remained all night, 
without being able to obtain any further assistance. Everything 
was thrown overboard to lighten the vessel, and the pumps were 
worked all night, as the water was coming in fast. The next 
day, al)out noon, another vessel came in sight, and about eight 
hundred more of the troops were taken off the " Baltic." The 
Colonel and about fifty of his own men, with the Captain of the 
ship and crew, were all that were left on the ship. Night was 
coming on, and no more could be taken off by the second vessel 
that came to the rescue of the "Baltic." Col. Bryan, though 
urged to leave the ship, said: "No; I will not leave as long as 
one of my men is left on this ship!" 

The reader can imagine the great difficulty of disembarking 



COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 201 

from one ship to another, without the least accident, so many 
men, nnaccustomed to the ocean, and thus suddenly thrown into 
the greatest excitement and peril. During all this time the 
Colonel was the commanding officer on board of all the troops, 
about fourteen hundred, and by his coolness and judgment he 
succeeded in maintaining the most perfect order and discipline 
among the men. All seemed to repose in him with entire confi- 
dence. After the ship had been lightened of all its freight and 
passengers, except the Captain, crew and about fifty of the 
troops, she was finally got oft' the shoal. The Captain of the 
ship gave to Col. Bryan the following letter of thanks, after the 
rescue of his ship and the men from the threatening danger: 

STE^msHiP "Baltic," Sept. 2, 1862. 
Sir — I can not allow you to leave my ship without expressing 
to you my warmest thanks for the al)le and efficient services ren- 
dered b}^ yourself, your officers and men, during the perilous 
condition of the ship the last twenty-four hours. The ready, 
quiet and prompt action with which my every wish was obeyed, 
and their coolness in the hour of danger, bespeaks the high state 
of discipline your regiments have attained. 

With respect, I am your obedient servant, 

JOS. J. COMSTOCK. 
To Col. Bryan, of the 2hth JY. Y. M.^ Oommanding^ cC-c. 

In response to the above, Col. Bryan issued the following 
order: 

Head Quarters on board the Steamship " Baltic," 

Septemher 3, 1862. 

General Orders No. 4. The commandant, in General Orders, 

desires to express to the officers and men of the Thirteenth and 

Twenty-fifth Regiments New York Militia, his sincere and earnest 

thanks, for the noble manner in which they conducted themselves 

throughout the perilous hours while this splendid ship was cast, 

away and disabled on Winter Quarter Shoals. Such conduct is 

worthy of all praise. 



202 COL. MICHAEL K, BRYAN. 

The commandant also desires to express what he knows to be 
the feeling of every one of his command, the most earnest thanks 
to Capt. Jos. J. CoMSTOCK for the cool, able, and judicious man- 
agement of his ship, that, under the mercy of an overruling 
Providence, saved his vessel and all the souls committed to his 
charo-e. 

The commandant, trusting that all who were separated by this 
disaster may safely come back again, with a grateful heart takes 
leave of all outside of his immediate command, and will ever 
hold them in rememljrance as oiBcers and men worthy of his 
esteem, and the highest regard of their fellow-citizens. 
By command of Col. M. K. Bryan. 

J. M. KIMBALL, Adjutant. 

In recording in this connection the name of Adjutant J. M. 
Kimball, we cannot suppress our strong desire to pay to him a 
passing tribute of our high esteem and warm gratitude for the 
services that he rendered in connection with this regiment, and 
during the perilous scenes through which it passed. We thank 
God that his life has been spared, and that he has returned to us 
to enjoy the blessing of that peace to Avhich he, during the war, 
so patriotically and nobly contributed. 

Gladly would we see a volume prepared and published to com- 
memorate the lives and achievements of the living heroes whom 
a merciful God has spared to us; and in whose memories the 
details of their camp life, their battles and victories, are now 
fresh, and could be easily recorded. 

To these men we owe a debt of gratitude as great as to those 
who have ftillen — for they risked all for their country; and, 
equally with the departed, manifested the greatest bravery and 
the most enthusiastic devotion to the cause which they had 
espoused. 

On Col. Bry.vn's discharge from service and return to Albany, 
he at once proceeded to raise the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth 
Rc^iximont New York Volunteers, of which he was made Colonel. 

In the early y);irt of the winter of l<S(i2 he was ordered to 
Jjoiiisiaiia, whci-p lie was engaired in scveial badles wi(h the 



COL. MICHAEL K, BRYAN. 203 

enemy on his march up through the State to Port Hudson. lie 
was ordered to take part in an attack on Port Hudson, La., on 
the 14th of June, 1863, on which day, while leading his regiment 
to the assault, he was wounded in the leg. He continued on his 
march, after binding a handkerchief around the wound, till ho 
was struck with a grape-shot, which mortally wounded him, and 
he died on the field at the head of his command. 

Thus lived and died Col. Michael K. Bryan. In private life, 
he was a good father and husband, and an aflfectionate and duti- 
ful son. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and died in 
its faith. The Republic will not soon forget the fidelity of him 
and licr other adopted children, who have shed their blood for 
the maintenance of her honoi" and unity. 

At the time of the death of this noble patriot, there appeared 
in one of our papers a notice of him, from which we make the 
following extracts: 

"Our citizens were startled on Saturday at the announcement 
that Col. M. K. Bryan, Maj. James H. Bogart and Capt. Henry 
HuLBURT, of this city, had fallen martyrs to the cause of the 
Union before Port Hudson, in the second attack on that strono-- 
liold on the 14th inst. Col. M. K. Bry^vn, in command of the 
One Hundred and Seventy-hfth Regiment N. Y. S. V., at the 
time of his death, was about forty years of age. 

" Col. B. was one of the most accomplished military men we 
ever had in Albany. For twenty years past he devoted himself 
to the service with an energy and will, that won for him the 
respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. He held the posi- 
tion of private for several years, and went through all the non- 
connnissioned offices, until he was elected to the command of 
the Worth Guards, which position he held with honor to himself 
and his command, until he was promoted to the Lieutenant Col- 
onelcy of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, the lamented Col. Frisby 
being then in command. When Col. Frisby was appointed 
Brigadier General of militia. Col. B. was promoted to the Colo- 
nelcy of the regiment, and remained in command until his appoint- 
ment to tlie Colonelcy of the One Hundred and Sevenly-fifth. 
Regiment. 



204 COL, MICHAEL K. BEYAN. 

" When the rebellion first broke out, and Washington was 
threatened, in response to the call of the General Government 
for immediate aid. Col. Bryan, with a patriotic ardor which all 
will remember, called his ofBcers together, and the services of 
the Twenty-fifth were promptly tendered to Gov. Moegan, who 
gladly accepted them. Col. B. and his men had not time even 
to arrano;e their business matters before orders were received for 
their departure. But they did not hesitate. They abandoned 
business, families, friends, and all, and hastened to the defence 
of the Capital. Arriving in Washington, they were hurried 
across the river to Arlington Heights, being one of the first regi- 
ments to march over the long bridge. They were directed to 
take position on the heights, which, at that time, was threatened 
by the rebels, and immediately commenced the erection of the 
fortification now known as Fort Albany, one of the most for- 
midable and best constructed earthworks in the vicinity of Wash- 
ington. The regiment remained on the heights until the expira- 
tion of its term of service, and then returned home, not having 
been engaged in battle, but rendering most valuable services to 
the country during its three months absence. 

" When Washington was a second time threatened, and Banks 
overpowered by superior numbers in the valley, another call was 
made for the militia of the State. The Twenty-fifth Regiment 
was in a disordered condition at the time, without uniforms, and 
with thinned ranks. Col. B. resolved in his own mind, after 
consultation with some of his ofBcers, to again enter the field. 
He devoted his whole time and energies to filling up the ranks 
and placing the regiment on a war footing, and his indomitable 
perseverance was crowned with success, for in a few days after 
orders were received, he left town at the head of nearly six hun- 
dred men, and proceeded to Fortress Monroe, and from thence 
to Sufiblk, Va., where the regiment remained for three months, 
and for the services rendered by it, received the highest com- 
mendations of the General conunanding. 

"After returning home, Col. Bry2\n devoted himself to the 
reth-ganization of the regiment, nnd was engaged in this work, 
when Col. Cokcokan announced his purpose to raise a brigade, 



COL. MICHAEL K. BRY^VN. 205 

having received the consent of the War Department to do so. 
Col. Bryan, deeming it his duty to again enter the service, 
having received a request from Gen. Corcoran to take command 
of a regiment, promptly accepted the proposition, and again gave 
himself up wholly to the patriotic work. Those who knew the 
man best, and how unceasingly he labored to fill up his com- 
mand, will bear willing testimony to his zeal and energy in be- 
half of the great cause of the Union. After his regiment was 
fully organized, he received orders to report to Fortress Monroe, 
and from thence went to New Orleans, having been detached 
from the brigade. Of the services performed by him in com- 
mand of his regiment, during the Louisiana campaign, it is not 
necessar}^ we should speak in detail. It is sufficient to say, that 
he was always at his post, performing his duty to the satisfac- 
tion of his superior officers, and enjoying the entire confidence 
of his subordinates. The manner of his death is stated in the 
following letter, written by Surgeon O'Leary, of the One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-fifth Regiment, to Reverend Father Wadhams, 
of this city : 

" 'New Orleans, June 18, 1863. 
" ' Reverend Sir — It becomes my painful duty to inform you 
of the death of Col. M. K. Bryan. He was killed in the engage- 
ment before Port Hudson, on Sunday morning, 14th instant. He 
received two shots; the first supposed to be a round shot, graz- 
ing the skin and fracturing both bones of the lower left leg; the 
second, a grape shell, mangling the flesh and bones of the right 
leg, below the knee. As near as I can learn, he lived about an 
hour after receiving his wounds. He seemed to feel conscious 
of his approaching end, and died like one going to sleep. I 
have just arrived in this city with his remains, and shall send 
them home at the earliest opportunity. Connected as I have 
been, for the last two years, with the military career of the 
departed, it was a crushing blow to see him laid in the cold 
embrace of death. A nobler man never lived. A braver sol- 
dier never wielded a sword. A truer Christian never knelt be- 
fore his Maker. He has left this earth of discord and strife, for 
the bright home of the saints and angels. Let us hope that his 



206 COL. MICHAEL K. ERYAN. 

reward will be great in Heaven. * * * jyjg^y q^j 1-^.^^^ 
mercy on his poor family, and support them in this their dark 
hour of trial. 

" ' Believe me, dear Father, to be 

" ' Your very humble servant, 

'"C. B. O'Leary, 
^'^ Surgeon llhth Regt. N. Y. 8. V: 
"Not one of those who were present at the residence of the 
gallant soldier, on the occasion of the presentation to him of his 
military outlit, on the eve of his departure for the seat of war, 
for a moment entertained the thought, that he would so soon sur- 
render his life in l^attling for his adopted country, and its honor. 
They bade adieu to him with the full knowledge that wherever 
he might be assigned to duty he would distinguish himself. His 
devotion to the Union, and his willingness to light for it, had been 
clearly demonstrated by the sacrifices he made when on two for- 
mer occasions, he abandoned his familj^ and his lousiness and hur- 
ried to the scene of danger, to meet the foes of our distracted 
country and of liberty. If ever there was a pure patriot that 
man was Col. M. K. Bryan. He was actuated by no mercenary 
or sordid motives, and his works speak louder than any words 
we can utter. Like his lamented friend and associate, his tutor, 
Frisey, he felt that the country demanded his services, and he 
cheerfully gave them to aid in crushing out the accursed rebellion. 
Like the gallant Frisby, he will be mourned l)y every Albanian, 
and the unbidden tears, as they trickled down the cheek of youth 
and the furrows of age, when the sad news was announced Satur- 
day, were silent but expressive messengers of the deep sorrow 
that it occasioned. He died as a hero. His last breath was the 
faint utterance of the departing spirit for his countiy. His mem- 
ory will be cherished with reverence by all who honor the brave 
and fearless soldier, living or dead, and his name shall be inscribed 
on that immortal tablet which bears the record of patriotic devo- 
tion to country." 



COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 207 



VIII. 
COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 

Henry Van Rensselaer, the fourth son of the Hon. Stephen 
Van Rensselaer, by his second wife, Cornelia Paterson, the 
daughter of Chief Justice Paterson, of New Jersey, was born 
at the Manor House, Albany, May 14th, 1810. 

His father and his ancestors, back to Killian Van Rensselaer, 
who came to this country as early as 1642, bore the title of 
Patroon. This title is derived from the Latin j3«^rowM5, and in 
the time of the Roman repul:)lic was used to denote a patrician, 
who enjoyed certain civil rights and privileges, and had a num- 
ber of people under his protection. With the growth of the 
empire, the jurisdiction of a Patroon in some instances extended, 
so as to embrace whole cities and provinces. In Holland the 
title designated the proprietor of a large estate in lands, occupied 
and cultivated by tenants, and having connected with it many of 
the privileges of the ancient feudal system. 

For over two centuries this title has been transmitted down to 
the present day, through the proprietor and representative of 
the Van Rensselaer estate; and I may add that of our public 
citizens none have surpassed those who have borne this title, in 
their zeal to establish upon this continent constitutional liberty, 
and maintain the authority of the Federal Government supreme 
over all manorial privileges, and State sovereignties. 

Among those who fought zealously for the adoption of the 
Federal Constitution in this State, was the Hon. Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, who was afterwards, in 1795, associated with the 
Hon. John Jay in the government of the State of New York. 
Notwithstanding the strong personal interest in his native State, 
that his ancestral associations would naturally excite, still he had 



208 COL. HENRY VAN EENSSELAER. 

the sagacity to see that there could be but one great nation upon 
this continent. He also had the patriotism to feel that in an 
hour of solicitude and trial like that, all personal aspirations 
should be laid upon the altar of the national life and prosperity. 

The influences of Henry's home were such as to awaken in the 
youthful mind an admiration for those patriotic and private vir- 
tues which adorn humau character, and which found so perfect 
an illustration in the lives of his parents. 

When only seven years of age, he left home with his elder 
brother to attend Mr. McCullough's boarding school, at Morris- 
town, N. J., and went afterwards with the same Ijrother to Dr. 
Benjames^ Allen's Academy, at Hyde Park. A few years later, 
it being then decided that he should enter the Academy at West 
Point, he was sent to begin his military education with Capt. 
Partridge, at Middletown. The pupils at this school, besides 
being instructed in the ordinary military exercises, were taught 
to prepare for the possible fatigues of a campaign by long pedes- 
trian tours in different directions through the country, sometimes 
marching as much as thirty or forty miles a day. After leaving 
this school, Mr. Van Rensselaer held, for a short time, the 
honorary position of Aid to Gov. Clinton, and at the age of 
seventeen entered the Military Academy at West Point. Here 
he first evinced a marked trait of character, which influenced him 
in after life — a strong, ever-present sense of duty, which would 
not permit the neglect of an obligation once assumed, and which 
enabled him to form and hold resolutely to the purpose of com- 
plying, in all respects, as far as possible, with what was required 
of him. His love of order, diligence of application, and fidelity 
to the most minute, as well as the more important details of duty, 
enabled him to pass through the four years discipline of the 
Academy without a single demerit. 

Mr. Van Eensselaee did not remain long in the army, but 
havino; married in 1833 Miss Elizabeth R. King, dauohter of 
the Hon. John A. King, of Jamaica, L. L, he moved to Ogdens- 
burg-h to assimie the charo;e of his father's estates in St. Lawrence 
county; and in 1839, on the death of his father, became himself 
the proprietor. For some years he devoted himself exclusively 



COL, HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 209 

to the pursuits of agriculture, and to the discharge of the 
numerous duties pertaining to his position. He was always ready 
to assist, often to his own injury, in any enterprise that promised 
to promote the good of the community. Generous, almost to a 
fault, his hand was open alike to the calls of public and private 
charity. His poor neighbor found in him a sincere and Avilling 
friend, and the settlers upon his lands were treated with a uniform 
lil)erality and consideration, which won their respect and aifection. 

Mr. Van Rensselaer was, from the period of his marriage, a 
communicant in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and devotedly 
attached to its interests. He allowed nothing to interfere with 
wdiat was not only a duty, but his highest pleasure, the service 
of God; and no inclemency of weather ever prevented his punc- 
tual attendance in the sanctuary. Simple and unostentatious in 
manner, with a natural reserve, which shrank from disclosing the 
communings of his inner life, he commanded universal respect as 
a pure Christian gentleman; one whose constant endeavor was 
" to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God." 

In 1^4 1, Mr. Van Rensselaer was elected a member of the 
House of Representatives from his district, being the only Whig 
member ever elected by the same constituency. He served 
through three sessions of the Twenty-seventh Congress with his 
accustomed punctuality and diligence. But political life had 
few attractions for him, and he gladly returned to his happy 
home and ordinary occupations. 

In the fall of 1855, he removed with his family to New York, 
intending in the future to pass the winter there and the summer 
at his home on the St. Lawrence. But soon after his departure, 
his house at Woodford, on which he had lavished all the im- 
provements that a refined taste could suggest, and where he 
delighted to dispense an elegant and liberal hospitality, was 
destroyed by fire, and New York became his permanent resi- 
dence. There he led for some years a quiet and retired life, yet 
always taking a deep interest in the political questions of the 
da}--, and watching, with the sorrow of one devoted to his coun- 
try, the growth of prejudice and treason, which culminated in 
the great rebellion. 

14 



210 COL. HENRY VAN EENSSELAER. 

But when the fall of Fort Sumter fired the patriotism of the 
north, true to his early training as a soldier, and to his instincts 
as a patriot, he at once wrote to Gen. Scott, then in command 
of our forces in Washington, to ask for an opportunity as a sol- 
dier, educated by the nation, to take some part in the impending 
struggle. He received, in reply, a telegram saj'ing, " We shall 
be glad to be aided by your presence;" and hastily completing 
the arrangements for his departure, he left New York on the 
2(Jth of April, 1861. 

On reaching Washington, Gen. Scott received him imme- 
diately into his military family; and, with the rank of Colonel, 
made him chief of his stalF. Of this position he faithfully and 
intelligently performed the duties, until the relinquishment by 
Gen. Scott, under the pressure of physical infirmities, of his 
high command. Ho was, during these months, the constant com- 
panion of the Lieutenant General, who recognized his moral 
worth, and appreciated the affectionate respect and consideration 
which he always received from him. Col. Van Eensselaer Avas 
an enthusiastic admirer of the old commander's personal charac- 
ter and military achievements, as maybe seen from the following 
toast, which he proposed on the occasion of a dinner given by 
the staff officers to Gen. Scott on his birth day: "The hero of 
1812, and the conqueror of Mexico: Whilst Niagara's thunder 
hymn is raised to heaven, his fame will not want a voice; and 
while Mexico's snow-covered Popocatapctl props the sky, his 
glory needs no monument." 

It was the General's special request, when he resigned his 
position, that the gentlemen of his staff, who had rendered him 
and their country efficient service, should receive subsequent 
api)ointments suitable to their merits. And he was assured by 
the President that his desire should be gratified, and that, 
" except the unavoidable privation of his society, which they 
had so long enjoyed, the provision made for them would be such, 
as to render their situation as agreeal)le as it had been before." 

Col. Van Rensselaer accompanied Gen. Scott to New York, 
and received from him, as he was on the point of sailing for 



COL. HENEY VAN RENSSELAER. 211 

Europe, October 9th, 18G1, an autograph note of farcAvell, as 
follows: 

''Adieu, my dear Colonel Van Eensselaer. No General has 
ever had greater cause to be proud of his staff than I have had 
in you and my other dear friends — Cols. Townsend, Hamilton, 
CuLLUM and Wright — all dear friends. 

"WINFIELD SCOTT." 

Upon the advice of Gen. Scott, Col. Van Rensselaer applied 
for the position of Inspector General in the regular army, and 
received his commission to that position, dating August 5th, 
1861. 

He was immediately ordered to make an inspection tour of the 
west, having his head-quarters at Cincinnati, and he visited, 
during the ensuing winter, most of the military posts of Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. 

In the spring of 1862, he received orders to report to Gen. 
McDowell, then in command of the Army of the Rappahannock, 
who was expected to take a prominent part, in cooperation with 
General McClellan, in the movement upon Richmond. They 
occupied Manassas and Fredericksljurg, and were in daily antici- 
pation of a farther advance, hoping, if possible, to reach Rich- 
mond before the Army of the Potomac. But after remaining 
inactive for some months, they were ordered back for the pro- 
tection of Washington. 

In August, 1862, Col. Van Rensselaer was again ordered to 
Cincinnati, and the follo^ving summer, in addition to his other 
duties, was appointed president of a l^oard for the examination 
of officers for colored regiments, a position which he filled at 
the time of his death. His courteous, genial manners, aiul 
kindly heart, won for him the confidence and esteem of all who 
were connected with him, and during his residence in Cincinnati, 
he formed many friendships which were an unfailing source of 
pleasure to him in his leisure hours, and an unspeakable conso- 
lation and solace during his last illness. 

Owing to an attack of sickness, which rendered him una1)le to 
discharge his duties, and which wjis probably the first symptom 
of the insidious disease which several months later caused hi». 



212 COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 

death, he obtained a leave of absence, dating December 21st, 
1863, and hastened home to spend Christmas with his family, it 
being the first time since the beginning of the war that they had 
been together at that season. After several happy weeks, which 
seemed to restore him to his nsnal vigorons health, he returned 
to Cincinnati. But the separation from his family, the discom- 
fort and loneliness of hotel life were peculiarly trying to his 
mind, already harassed by many cares, and the close confinement 
of his otfice exhausted his energies, until he had no strength left 
to struggle with the slow fever, which was oainino- a fearful hold 
upon him. Yet, while contending against the double suftering 
of feverish days and sleepless nights, he could not be prevailed 
upon to neglect his official calls, which at that time were pecu- 
liarly urgent, or to apply for another furlough. And morning 
after morning found him seated at his desk, striving faithfully to 
fix his mind, then weakened by disease, for the business before 
him, until he was told by the attending surgeon that perfect rest 
and quiet were essential to his recovery. 

On March 16th his wife received a telegram, advising her to 
come on, and although not apprehending any innninent danger, 
she hurried there at once. Her presence seemed the gratification 
of his only earthly desire, and, after listening to the many 
details of home news, with loving inquiries after all those near- 
est to his heart, he sank into a stupor, in Avhich, with a few 
intervals of consciousness, he remained while life lasted. 

In his last delirious moments his mind still ran upon the pub- 
lic interests which had so eno-rossed it — the state of the war, the 
condition of the troops, and his own unfinished work, with which 
were mino-led words of advice and affection to the children, who 
could not be with him. There was also a precious, golden 
thread of higher thouo-hts, which showed where the mind 
instinctively turned for comfort, in the approach of death. 

The clergyman whose church he attended in Cincinnati, and 
who was with him during his illness, gave a very touching account 
of some of his last interviews with him, and spoke of him with 
the utmost respect and affection, and as one whom he believed 
to Ijc a sincere and humble follower of Christ. 



COL. TIENEY VAN EENSSELAER. 213 

Duriug his lonely hours of suffering, the consciousness of a 
Saviour's love was to his fainting soul as the " shadow of a great 
rock in a weary land," and the gloom of death was brightened 
by the presence of Ilini who has said, "I will never leave thee 
nor forsake thee." 

Col. Van Rensselaer died on the evening of Wednesday, 
March 23d, 1864, at the Burnet House, Cincinnati. He was 
buried in the churchyard of Grace Church, Jamaica, L. I., on 
the following Sunday, Easterday, in the peaceful twilight, Avitli 
only his children and nearest relatives around his grave. 

He sleeps in the Easter hope, that "they who have been bap- 
tized into the death of Christ and buried with him, may at last 
through the grave and gate of death, pass to their joyful resur- 
rection." 

This is a simple record of the life of a Christian soldier. We 
cannot tell of battles fought, of deeds of heroism to command 
silent admiration; l)ut he did what he could. In his country's 
first need, he was willing to go forth wherever he should be sent, 
to give counsel or to aid in the camp or the field; and he unhesi- 
tatingly sacrificed all the comfort and happiness of domestic 
life to the simple instinct of duty, the duty every loyal man owes 
to his country. Surely such a sacrifice, ending in that of life 
itself, entitles the departed to the gratitude of a nation and the 
admiration of posterity. 



214 COL. LEA\aS O. MORRIS. 



IX. 

COL. LEWIS OWEN MORRIS. 

Col. Morris was born in Al])any, N. Y., August 14, 1824. 
Having descended from one of onr oldest and most respectable 
fjmiilics, he inherited not only the gentle qualities of his ances- 
tors, but also the spirit of heroic self-sacrifice and nol)le patriot- 
ism for which, in the early history of our country, they were dis- 
tinguished. 

The first member of this family, Leavis Morris, came to this 
country in the year 1672. He was a native of ^Monmouthshire, 
in Wales, and commanded a troop of horse in the Parliament 
against Charles I. Emigrating to the West Indies, he purchased 
a beautiful estate at the Barbadoes, and became a mcml^er of the 
Council. In the year 1654 an expedition was fitted out against 
the Spanish Possessions in these islands, and Cromwell sent to 
him a commission of Colonel. But when the British fleet arrived 
the year following, Mr. Morris prized his services so highly 
that he demanded a present of one hundred thousand weight of 
sugar to pay his debts before he Avould accompany the fleet. 
Accepting finally the commission, he was present at the reduc- 
tion of Jamaica. 

He came to New York in 1672, and settled at Broncksland, 
Westchester county; and soon after his arrival he obtained a 
patent for his plantation. From 1683 to 1686 he was a member 
of Gov. Dougan's Council, and ended his days in 1691, at his 
plantation "over against Harlem," since known as the "manor 
of Morrisania." 

Lewis Morris, the great grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, was one of the noble men who signed the Declaration of 
American Independence, and who pledged their lives, their for- 
tunes, and their sacred honor in defence of their country. 



COL. LEWIS O. MOEKIS. 215 

His grandfather, Capt. Staats Morris, eldest son of Lewis 
Morris, served wnth distinguished valor under Gen. Wayne 
towards the close of the Revolutionary AYar. A short time pre- 
vious to this he had Ik'cu united in marriage to a daughter of 
Gov. Van Braam, of Holland, Governer General of the Dutch 
Possessions in India. This gentleman came to New York during 
the Revolution, and making this country his temporary residence, 
he became the personal friend and associate of the Morrises and 
other distinguished men of the Revolution. 

The father of Col. jNIorris was Major Lewis Nelson Morris, 
a graduate of our Military Academy at West Point. It is 
recorded of him, that he was "a splendid man, a true soldier, an 
ardent patriot, and an elegant gentleman." He took an active 
part in the Black Hawk and Florida Wars, and for his gallantly 
was highly commended in official reports. He married a grand- 
daughter of Dr. Elias Willard, Surgeon in the Army of the 
Revolution, whose wife was the daughter of Col. John Living- 
ston. John was the brother of Col. James Livingston, who 
commanded on the Hudson river below West Point at the time 
of Arnold's treason, and by whose vigilance and skill, Andre 
was captured. 

On the 21st of June, 1846, wdiile in command of the Third 
Regiment United States Infantry, and leading his men to the 
assault at ]Monterey, Mexico, jNIajor Morris fell — having been 
shot through the heart by a Indlet from the enemy. For liravery 
in the actions at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma he received 
the brevet of Major. So highly was he esteemed in All)any that 
the citizens ordered for him an elegant sword. But he did not 
live to receive it, and it was presented to his son in his stead. 
His remains were sent for, and l)uried with imposing military 
honors. A suitable monument was erected to his memory, by 
the citizens of Albany, in their Rural Cemetery. 

Col. Lewis Owen Morris, the subject of this sketch, spent 
his early boyhood w^ith his parents at Rock Island, on the Mis- 
sissippi, wdiere the "noise of hostile arms" reached his ears, 
during the Black Hawk war. He returned to All)any to enter 
upon his studies at the Academy. Ever intent u})on following 



216 COL. LEWIS O. MOERIS. 

the profession of his father, he devoted much time to those 
branches of study, which would best tit him to enter the military 
school at West Point. 

In 1846, upon hearing the sad tidings of his lather's death at 
Monterey, he determined to apply for a commission, without 
delay, and join the army in the held. Through the efficient aid 
of Hon. John C. Spencer and Gov. Marcy, Secretary of War. 
both personal friends of his lamented father, he received, in the 
spring of 1847, a commission of Second Lieutenant in the First 
Artillery. With this regiment, he served until 1854. After 
remaining just long enough on Governor's Island, New York 
Harbor, to get his men in readiness, although then a mere lad, 
he was ordered to carry a detachment of troops, by sea, to Mexico. 
After being a few days out, the transport was wrecked on the 
Florida coast. The coolness and alnlity manifested by our young- 
officer, on this trying occasion, were truly remarkable. On the 
night of the wreck, while the crew and others were runnino- to 
and fro in consternation and uttering cries of distress, he passed 
the hours of anticipated death on deck, with his men mustered, 
and going through the regular drill in order to keep them calm 
and in discipline, prepared to avail themselves of any help that 
Providence might see tit to send them. Daylight brought the 
needed relief, and in as regular order as when emliarking, the 
men were transferred from the shattered vessel to the boats, and 
every one was safely lauded in Abaco, one of the Bahama Islands. 
Thence they were carried to Charleston to await transportation 
to their destined port. This delay prevented Lieut. Morris from 
reaching his i-egiment until they had arrived at Vera Cruz, on 
their way out of Mexico. But, while there, he was placed in 
charge of the Mexican prisoners at the castle of San Juan D'Ulloa. 
Here his duties were arduous and trying, and he suffered from a 
severe attack of yellow fever. During his convalescence, his 
devotion, to both officers and men, who were sick and dying of 
that terril)le scourge, was remarked by all, and long remembered 
by many. On his return to the United States, at the close of 
the Mexican war, a brevet was tendered him l)y the Secretary 
of War. But with that keen sense of honor, which was so pecu- 



COL. LEWIS O, MORRIS. 217 

liarly characteristic of him, he declined the honor, saying: "I 
have not won it on the tield, and I cannot wear it." 

From that time he was ahiiost constantly in active service, 
either hunting the Indians through the everglades of Florida, or 
on the Texan frontier. 

At the ])eginning of the rebellion, in 1861, Col. Morris was 
m Texas, in command of Fort Brown. At that crisis the officers 
and soldiers were rapidly yielding to the pressure around them, 
and joining the Southern Confederacy. But to the everlasting 
honor of the Colonel, we rejoice to say that he stood firm for 
the United States. He was resolved to perish rather than yield 
one iota to the infamous foes of his country; and out of all the 
United States forces then in Texas his company ivas the only one 
that vpfn.-ted to surrender themselves, or to turn over the property 
of the (rovermnent to the rebels. 

Col. iNIoRRis was afterwards ordered to North Carolina, where 
he took an active part at Roanoke and Newbern, under Gen. 
BuRNSiDE, and afterwards he was Avith the forces of Maj. Gen. 
R. G. Foster. Being held in high estimation by those in autho- 
rity, he Avas designated to direct operations against Fort INIacon, 
N. C, which he captured and afterwards commanded. It was a 
place of great strength, and its reduction considered justly one 
the most brilliant achievements of the war. 

Gen. Foster, in a letter to the Secretary of War, writes: "I 
can bear testimony to the services of Capt. Morris, First Artil- 
lery, Avho Avas, at the time of the siege of Fort Macon, in com- 
mand of the Thirty-pound Parrot Siege Battery. This battery 
])eing manned by his company, made such effective shooting on 
the first day of the siege, as to disable the defence of the fort to 
such a degree as to oblige its commander to surrender, Avithout 
Avaiting for the l)ombardment of the second day. I earnestly 
hope that some token of appreciation of Capt. M.'s services ma}'^ 
be given to his name." 

Coming north in the summer of 1862, he AA^as tendered the 
Colonelcy of the One Hundred and Thirteenth N. Y. Regiment, 
Avhich he accepted. In the short space of four Aveeks the regiment 
Avas organized, equipped and on its Avay to the seat of war. This 



218 COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 

resinieiit was the first from this State to arrive in Washino-ton at 
a moment, when the city was menaced b}^ a rebel foe. Col. M. 
was highly commended for his promptness by the War Depart- 
ment. As an expression of their appreciation of the valnable 
service he rendered the conntry l)y the timely arrival of his regi- 
ment, it was converted into a regiment of heavy artillery (Seventh 
New York Heavy Artillery), and stationed at Fort Reno, on the 
defences north of \A'ashingt()n. Shortly after, other regiments 
were added to Col. M.'s command, forming a l)rigade. 

He remained at Fort Reno some months. Strong in will, yet 
gentle and winning in his manners, he secured at once the respect 
and love of those under his command. He Avas most assiduous 
in the discipline of his men and unwearied in his efibrts to make 
them good soldiers. Fort Reno, the head-quarters of Col. M., 
was always the post to which those were directed wdio came to 
witness the skill, disci})line and etficiency of the Army of Wash- 
ington. Hearing that the officers of his brigade were preparing 
an application for his })romotion, he modestly requested that it 
should not l)e done, being always unAvilling to receive au}^ honor 
of that kind, not won on the field. 

Frequent raids by the rebel cavalry, and alarms of the approach 
of Lee's army in force, gave him the opportunity to test his men. 
He felt confident of them, and although so strict a disciplinarian, 
he was idolized l)y them. He longed to lead them to the "front," 
and made frequent applications for orders, which at length arrived 
on May 10th, 18(54. Two days after, Col. M. joined the Army of 
the Potomac at Spottsylvania. In that and the subsequent engage- 
ments he participated, winning for himself the connnendation of 
all. Gen. Meade, in general orders, called the men of the 
Seventh "veterans." Col. Morris was always so cool in the 
houi' of danger, and self-possessed when the storm of l)attle raged 
the fiercest, that his example inspired the courageous, encouraged 
the timid, and rebuked the cowardly. 

One of the oificers of his staff*, writing to his family, says: "I 
wash to relate an incident which will illustrate our beloved Colo- 
nel's nol)le heroism and devotion to duty. We Avere charging a 
rebel redoubt, and as the line advanced, the Colonel at their head, 



COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 219 

the men fell very ftist. Col. M. noticing that as one fell, two or 
three of his comrades would fall out to assist the wounded man to 
the rear, he turned to the ranks, sternly forl)idding the practice, 
saying-: ' Should I fall, let no one stop to assist me. Press 
forward ! drive the enemy from their position, then take time to 
care for me.' " 

\{ was CoJ. Morris and his men of the Seventh who, at the 
hattle of Cold Harbor, June 3d, won the key of the rebel posi- 
tion, captured several pieces of artillery, and took several hun- 
dred prisoners. Major General Hancock, commanding Second 
Army Corps, to which Col. Morris' Brigade was attached, thus 
writes of him after the action at Cold Harbor : 

"I knew Col. Morris well, have known him for many years, 
and served with him in Florida and was nuich attached to him, 
wliich gives me a l)etter opportunity of judging of his merits 
than I would otherwise have had. He was 1)rave, faithful in the 
discharge of his duty, and at the action at Cold Harl)or he won 
renown. He had entered the enemy's works under a heavy tire, 
and captured several pieces of the enemy's artillery and many 
prisoners. The day previous, upon the wounding of Col. Burke, 
commanding a brigade in Gen. Barlow's Division, Col. Morris 
assumed command, which he held at the time of his death." 

Col. Morris' military al)ility was highly valued by all, and his 
advice was frequently sought equally by his superiors in rank 
and his subordinates. Gen. Barlqw thus writes of him in a pri- 
vate letter : 

"It gives me pleasure to speak of Colonel M. as a mo.v^ gal- 
lant and meritorious officer, discharging his duty with fidelity 
and success. In the action at Cold Harlior he behaved with dis- 
tinr/iiisJml bravery. With the Seventh Artillery he entered the 
enemy's works, captured several pieces of artillery and several 
hundred prisoners, and was himself training some of the enemy's 
guns upon their own men, when we Avere compelled to evacuate 
the place. 

"On June 3d, I had requested him to go with me to the 
advanced works for the purpose of fixing upon the ground for 
some new trenches. &c. While thus engaged, he fell at my 



220 COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 

side mortally wounded by a ball from cue of the enemy's sharp- 
shooters." 

The death of this nol)le patriot cast a deep gloom over the 
whole army. It was related by one present, that when the sad 
news reached the men of his own regiment many of them threw 
themselves upon the ground and wept like children. And that 
baud of 1)rave men, who the day before were ready to do and 
<lare anything Avhen led l)y their heroic commander, were, in a 
moment, cast down and entirely unnerved. One thus explains 
the feeling that prevailed : 

" Our whole brigade was like a lifeless body, from which the 
soul had just departed." 

Thus passed away from earth Lewis Owen Morris, the worthy 
son of a worthy and noble ancestry. As a soldier, he was the 
bravest of the brave. As a patriot, his love of his country was as 
pure as the light — no spot ever dimmed its lustre. As a friend, 
his warm and generous heart attached to him every one with 
whom he had any intercourse. As a husband and father, he was 
all tenderness and affection. lie leaves a stricken widow and 
two dear children to mourn his a1)sence from the family circle. 
Were it proper to intrude upon the privacy of domestic relations, 
we might till pages with a record of his kind deeds. But there 
is one heart that fully knows his value; and knows, too, how 
imich earthly happiness, and how many fond hopes were extin- 
guished, when his manly forpi fell upon the bloody field to rise 
no more. 

Of the last hours and Christian hopes of our departed hero, 
we have an account in the following kind and consoling letter 
addressed to Mrs. Morris by the Rev. Dr. Brown, pastor of the 
Presbyterian church at Georgetown, D. C, the church which Col. 
Morris attended while at Washington. 

Georgetown, D. C, June 8, 1864. 
Mrs. Catharine W. Morris: 

My dear Fiiend — It was my privilege, during the eighteen 
months past, to be intimately acquainted with Col. Lewis O. 
Morris. The result was, that I learned to love him as a brother, 



COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 221 

and I think he loved me. The fact that I was a minister of the 
Gospel was no l)arrier to the freedom of his visits to me, both 
in my family and at my study. On n\y ministry, on the Sab- 
l)ath, morning and evening and during the week, he was a con- 
stant attendant. On the subject of personal religion we conversed 
freely in private. I think I can say, then, Avith some confidence, 
that I kne^o him. And from his own lips I have had the declara- 
tion, months since, and with deep emotion: " There is nothing I 
wish so much as to be a Christian." So matters stood when I 
went down to the Army of the Potomac, nearly four weeks since, 
as a meml)er of the Christian Commission. Two days after, Col. 
Morris and his command were ordered to the front. I saw him 
at Spoitsylvania Court House when he joined the army; and as, 
1)y the singularl}^ kind providence of God, we were thrown into 
tlie same corps, division and brigade, I either saw him or had 
news of him every day, until the last. 

From the first he was in the front of the continuous fis^htinir 
going on, and won for himself and his men the commendation of 
all. Gen. Meade called them "veterans" in general orders. 
They were said to "tight like tigers." I do not like the expres- 
sion, but so soldiers speak. It w^as Col. Morris and his men of 
the Seventh, who, at the battle of Cold Har])or, on Friday morn- 
ing, June 3d, won the key of the rebel position, captured several 
pieces of artillery, and took four hundred prisoners. But, not 
being supported, they were compelled to abandon all but the 
prisoners. I know this to be so, for I was at the time close at 
hand, and heard the story from many of the actors and witnesses. 
This Avas Friday. 

Saturday morning, early. Gen. Barlow^ called on Col. Morris 
to make Avith him an examination of the position; he Avas then 
commanding the brigade. Our breastworks and the enemy's were 
but fifty yards apart. No one dared shoAv himself on either 
side. The sharpshooters fired quickly at sight of a cap or a hand. 
The tAvo started. Gen. Barlow leading, hiding behind the breast- 
Avorks, and dodging from rifle pit to rifle pit. In passing from 
one pit to another, Col. Morris for a moment was exposed, and 
received his Avouiid. The ball struck him in the left shoulder, 



222 COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 

ranging downward across the body, touching the spine in its 
progress, and entering the right lung. I tlnnl: (but do not know) 
that he fell insensible. Dr. Pomfret and I soon heard of his 
W'Ound, and ordered him brought to where we were — we could 
not go to him. He w^is brought in about ten o'clock, insensible, 
moaning and uttering incoherent sentences. Stimulants w^ere 
administered, and the surgeons in attendance examined his wound. 
In about an hour consciousness came to him. He knew us both. 
l)Ut his system did not rally. His body, l)elow the w^ouiid, was 
paralyzed. He had no pain, but suftered much from nervous 
distress and difficulty in breathing. He began praying for mercy. 
I pointed him to Jesus Christ, and said, " Colonel, put your trust 
in Him." "I do, I do," he replied, "He is my only hope and 
trust." "Do you trust in him as your Saviour?" I asked. " Yes, 
I do." I wished to be sure that this was so, and, though I was 
weeping so I could scarcely speak, and his arm was on my neck, 
I reminded him of former conversations on the sul)ject, and of 
what I had tJien said to him about saving faith in Jesus Christ, 
and asked him if he understood. He answered: "I understand. 
Jesus Christ is my only hope and trust. I do trust in him. I am 
going home to eternal rest with my Saviour." Such declarations 
as these w^ere repeated again and again, mingled with messages 
of love to the dear ones Avho were absent, and requests to meet 
him in heaven. He was fully conscious of his condition, and 
ready, even anxious, to depart. At one o'clock his spirit de- 
parted, and, as I can not doul>t, passed into the glory of the 
saints in light. AVhcn we undressed him we found his Testament 
in his pocket, and showing marks of use. 

I hope that wliat I have written may, my dear friend, give 
you some satisfaction. I feel his loss deepl3^ He was as a 
l)r()ther to me. I loved him, and I think he loved me. I need 
not assure you then of my sympathy in your second great sor- 
row. But your hope is in the same Saviour in whom he trusted. 
May that Saviour mercifully, graciously and most abundantly 
sustain you. With profound respect and esteem, my dear friend, 
Yours truly, rRP:DERICK BROWN. 



COL. LEWIS O. MORKIS. 223 

The "All)ai\y Evening Journal '' gives the following- tribute to 
the eharacter of our departed hero, and also the aeeount of his 
funeral: 

"Col. Morris Avas no ordinary man. His mind, naturally 
vigorous, was strengthened hy hard study, and enriehed hy lihe- 
rai eulture. Strong in will, yet winning in manners, he at onee 
eommanded the resi)eet and aliection of those under his command. 
Although a strict disciplinarian, he was idolized by his men. 
Cool in the hour of danger, self-possessed when the storm of 
battle raged fiercest, he inspired by his exam})le, encouraged the 
timid and rebuked the cowardly. He was a stranger to fear, and 
died gloriously in the tield and in the face of the rebel foe. He 
was an ardent patriot, loved the old Hag more than he did life, 
and Avent into the war for its defence wdth his whole heart. In 
the bright roll of martyr-heroes which history will exhibit to the 
admiration of coming ages, few names will shine out with a 
serener splendor than that of Col. Lewis O. Morris. 

"June 11. Funeral of Col. Morris. The remains of this 
gallant young otficer were conveyed from the residence of his 
brother-indaw, Dr. Vanderpoel, to the North Dutch church, 
where the funeral exercises took place. The}^ were conducted 
by the pastor, the Rev. Rufus W. Clark, and were solemn and 
impressive. Among those in attendance at the church were a 
few members of the Seventh Artillery, wdio were wounded in 
the recent campaign in Virginia, and Avho can now walk l)y the 
aid of crutches. At the conclusion of the services in the church, 
the remains were brought out and received with military honors 
by the Twenty-fifth Regiment, under command of Col. Church. 
The remains of Col. jNIorris were then conveyed to the cemetery. 
The funeral escort consisted of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, pre- 
ceded by Schreiber's band. Then followed the funereal car, 
drawn by six gray horses, plumed. The coffin was covered bj 
the flag for which he lost his life, and adorned with white roses. 
The l)earers were Generals Rathbone and Vanderpoel, and 
Colonels Baker, Ainsworth, Young and Harcourt, flanked by 
a detachment of the TAventy-fifth Regiment, and folloAved l)y the 
horse of the deceased, led by his groom. The n.ourners Avere 



224 COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 

followed by officers and soldiers of the army, who came hither 
to pay the last tribute of respect to the brave and lamented dead. 
The connnittee of arrangements and the mayor and common 
council followed in carriages. The streets through which the 
funeral cortege passed were crowded with spectators, and grief 
wiis depicted in almost every countenance." 



COL. JAJIES P. McMAHON. 225 



X. 

COLONEL JAMES P. McMAHON. 

Patrick McMahon, a native of Pallas Green, county Limerick, 
Ireland, with his wife and their three boys, John E. McMahon, 
Martin T. MciNIahon and James P. McMahon, the subject of 
this sketch, emigrated to America in 1839. They first settled 
in Pennsylvania. There, the father being an intelligent and able 
man, obtained employment, as an engineer, on the public works 
of that State. 

About the year 1852, he, being engaged as a contractor, in the 
construction of the New York and Erie Eailroad, removed to the 
State of New York, settling in Cattaraugus county, where he 
afterwards became extensively engaged in the lumber lousiness. 

He gave to his three sons a good education, and all of them 
graduating at St. John's College, Fordham, near New York city. 
Each of this noble trio has proved himself worthy of the great 
paternal care and attention bestowed on their education. John 
E. McMahon was, at the age of twenty-one. Private Secretary of 
Gov. Seymour, in 1854. At the breaking out of the war, he was 
in the successful practice of the law in Buffalo, New York, where 
in the fall of 1862, he engaged in raising troops for the Corco- 
ran Legion, which was to be commanded by Gen. Michael Cor- 
coran. He was, on the 8th of November, 1862, commissioned 
Colonel of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment New 
York Volunteers, and served in Virginia till his death, by disease 
contracted in the service, in the winter of 1863. He was a young 
man of brilliant talents and attainments. 

The youngest brother, Martin T. McMahon, having served as 
Private Secretary to Postmaster General CiVMPBELL from 1853 to 
1857, studied the profession of the law, and, about the year 1860, 

15 



22.6 .COL. JiUVIES p. McMAIION. 

went to San Francisco, California, where he was eno:ao;ed in the 
practice of his profession in copartnership with Ex-Governor 
John B. Weller. When the call to arms came for men to 
defend the Union, in 18(31, he raised a company of volmiteers 
and joined the Army of the Potomac, in the fall of that year, 
with the rank of Captain. He was soon appointed on the staff 
of General jMcClellan, and there remained till that General was 
relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, when 
he was assigned to the position of Chief of Staff on General 
Sedgwick's staff, where he continned to serve till that gallant 
soldier's death, in May, 1864. He continued m the service till 
he was mustered out, after the close of the war, as Brevet Major 
General. After this period of four years service, he returned to 
the practice of his profession in New York city, where he is mr^r 
Corporation Attorney, an office of great responsil)ility and 
importance, to which he was appointed for his worth, and the 
courage and patriotism that he and his family had displayed 
during the war. He is now only thirty-one years of age. 

The other brother, Col. Jajvies P. McMahox, was born in the 
county of Wexford, Ireland, in the year 1886, and came Avith his 
parents, as already stated, to America in 1839. After graduating 
at St. John's College in 1852, he was engaged in assisting his 
father in the lumber lousiness till 1856, when he removed to 
Albany and commenced the study of the law in the office of his 
uncle, Mattiieav McMaiion, Esq., then a prominent member of 
the bar in All)an3'. He was admitted to practice in 1860. He 
remained with his uncle till the breaking out of the rebellion in 
1861, when he prepared to enter the contest for the Union. 

When in the summer of 1861, Gen. T. F. Meagtiar commenced 
to raise the Irish Brigade, he at once went to New York city, 
raised a company, and joined the Sixty-ninth Eegiment N. Y. 
Volunteers (known as the First Regiment of Meaghar's Brigade), 
w^th the rank of Captain. 

After this regiment reached tlie front, Capt. JNIcMaiion soon 
evinced great capacity and quick perception into military afRiirs, 
and was selected by Gen. Meaghar as his aid, in which position 
he acted for sev(n"al months. 



COL. JAMES P. McMAIION. 227 

In the battle of Fair Oaks, on the 1st of June, 1862, he received 
the thanks of his Brigadier General, and of his Division Com- 
mander, Maj. Gen. Richardson, for his cool bravery and tact in 
bringing a portion of the brigade through a heavy fire, and 
securing for it a position of importance. As a recognition of his 
services in this ])attle, in which he killed and captured more of 
the enemy than his command, the brave Richardson called him 
at the close of the day to take a place on his staif with the rank 
of Major. There he remained, accompanying the General through 
the Peninsula campaign, and being with him at the battle of 
Antietam, in which Gen. Richardson fell mortally wounded. 
Gen. Richardson was fondly attached to his young aid; and after 
he was wounded, the few days that he lingered, he insisted upon 
his remaining by his side till he died. 

Shortly after the death of Gen. Richardson, he was appointed 
Lieutenant Colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment 
New York Volunteers, which Avas raised at Buftalo b}'^ his l^rothcr, 
John E. McMahon, for the Corcoran Legion. On the 20th of 
INIarch, 1863, Col. John E. McMahon, his brother, who was 
Colonel of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment New 
York Volunteers, and attached to the Corcoran Legion, dj-ing, 
James was at once appointed to the Colonelcy vacated Ijy his 
brother's death. Li April of this year (1863), he led the expe- 
dition on the Edenton road, near Sufiblk, where he surprised and 
routed a much larger force than his own, comprising the Seven- 
teenth Regiment Virginia Infantry. He captured their garrison 
and equipments, and many prisoners, with a small loss to liis 
own connnand. 

Aljout a week afterwards his regiment was in a second engage- 
ment on the Edenton road, repulsing the. enemy and capturing a 
line of their works, his command being the only one engaged 
out of about ten thousand troops. For several days in jNIay he 
Avas engaged in active skirmishing on the Blackwater. He Avas 
at the defence of Suifolk, Va., during the siege l)y the enemy 
under Gen. Longstreet. On the evacuation of it by our army. 
Col. Mc^Iahon's command was the last to leave, forming the rear 
iiuarcl of the armv. 



228 COL. JAJMES P. McMAHON. 

The Legion was ordered thence to Portsmouth, where they 
remained till ordered to Centreville. For some four months, 
they were engaged in following and lighting Moseby's band, who 
were met by Col. McMahon's Eegiment at Snicker's Gap, and, 
after a hard fight, dispersed and many of them taken prisoners. 

In May, 1864, the Legion was ordered to join the Second 
Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac, and marched with 
Gen. Grant through the bloody battles of the Wilderness and 
Spottsylvania, in which last-named l^attle Col. McMahon lost one 
hundred and twenty-live men of his regiment. He continued to 
lead his small but heroic band till the battle of Cold Harbor, 
where the gallant young Colonel, while charging the enemy's 
works at the head of his command, fell on the ramparts of the 
enemy covered with many mortal wounds. At the time he had 
the colors in his own hands. 

Col. McMahon was devotedly loved by his men and officers. 
The Surgeon of his regiment, Dr. Regan, of Brooklyn, when the 
word reached him that the Colonel had fallen, wept, and said he 
wished it had been himself instead of Col. McMahon. On the 
day of the foil of this officer, it was impossil)le to bring off his 
body or reach the spot where he fell; but a few days after men 
from ])oth armies visited the Ijattlefield under a flag of truce, 
when a rel^el officer informed Adjutant Beattie of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixty-fourth, where the body of his Colonel Avas buried. 
The rebel officer said : " We hated like the mischief to kill him, 
for he was a brave fellow. He was without immediate succor 
within near range of our guns, apparently wounded in the thigh. 
We repeatedly asked him to surrender, 1)ut he shook defiantly 
his sword and shouted ' Never !' He also shouted to his men to 
come on. We, therefore, had to fire on him and drive your fel- 
lows back." 

This rebel officer also told Adjutant Beattie (since Colonel of 
the same regiment), that he had ordered him to be l)uried in a 
marked spot, where his friends might obtain his body. He 
pointed it out to the Adjutant, who removed the thin earth over 
it, and identified his lamented friend and Colonel, and Ijrought 



COL. JAMES P. McMAHON. 229 

away with him some strips of his under-clothing as the only 
memento of his friend that he could obtain. 

This hero's body is mingled with the sods of Virginia on the 
field where he fell, and no mark now designates his grave from 
the others that fill those bloody fields. His deeds simply told 
are his eulogy. He and his two brothers, assisted by their father 
and their uncle, Matthew McMaiion, Esq., of New York, raised 
for the Army of the Union, and took to the field, nearly two 
thousand of their coiuitrymen. Alas ! how few returned ! Not 
one-fifth of them all ! 

After his death. Gen. Meagher, in writing to a New York 
paper of some of the officers who fell at this battle, says : 

" Next came the news that McMahox, planting his colors with 
his oAvn hands on the enemy's works — planting them there with 
a boldness worthy of the grand and soldierly name that he bore, 
and whom perhaps the recollection of the MalakofF and its Irish 
conqueror may have inspired, was stricken down by the bullets 
he so splendidly defied. Who of the old brigade — the favorite 
brigade of Sumner and liichardson — can forget the dashing, 
handsome, and indefatigable soldier, with his strictly defined 
features often illuminated with enthusiasm; sometimes express- 
ing the scorn and haughtiness of a true-blooded Celt; Avith a 
heart for hospitality; with a soul for glory; and hatred and sar- 
casm for what Avas mean, and a quick look and blow for what was 
treacherous ? Who can forget his fine bearing, erect and grace- 
ful; the decisive character of his intellect; his high sense of 
honor; his physical activity — all those healthy and superior gifts 
which made him a soldier at the start, and qualified him, even in 
the first hours of lioyhood, to be a fit exponent of his martial 
race and kindred ? Who can forget all this, Avhenever that grand 
picture of McMahon planting the colors of his regiment in the 
face of the fire storm, and foot to foot with the desperate foe, is 
spoken of in the camp by the survivors of the Irish Brigade of 
the Army of the Potomac ?" 

A few Avords more will close the story of this brave man and 
patriot soldier. His pure Christian character deserA^es a remark. 
Amid all the temptations of camp life, he never for a day foigot 



230 COL. J.^IES p. McMAHON. 

to bend his knee to the God of battles. He was a sincere and 
devoted member of the church of his fathers. 

His fatlier, who was most ardently devoted to his children, at 
the time of Col. John E. McMahon's death, was laboring under 
a severe indisposition, and the sad and early death of his first- 
born and noble boy, it is thought, hastened his death, which soon 
succeeded that of Johx. 

There are now left of this family Major General Martin 
McMahon and three younger sisters — their mother having died 
many years ago. Few families can furnish a prouder and more 
honorable record of services to their country, than that to which 
the subject of this sketch belongs. Honor to the memory of the 
gallant and patriotic brothers who died for their country, and 
respect to him who, though living, served his country no less 
faithfully, but was more fortunate in surviving to behold the 
restoration of peace and the Union, for which they all periled 
life and everything that they held dear on earth. 



OOL. JAJMES D. VISSCHEK. 231 



XL 

COL. JAMES D. yiSSCHER. 

Colonel Visscher was the son of John V. S. and Eleanor 
VissCHER, and was born in Albany, March 26th, 1829. 

In childhood he was remarkable for his good conduct and 
kindness of heart. He was hopefully converted at the first 
union prayer meetings held in the North Pearl Street Baptist 
Church, and united with that church under Dr. Hague. At the 
time of his enlistment he was in the employ of Messrs. Weed, 
Parsons & Co., and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. 

He felt it to be the duty of every young American citizen to 
give their service to their country, and he was among the first 
who responded to the call for volunteers after the fall of Fort 
Sumter. In April, 1861, he left home with the Burgesses Corps, 
of which he was a member, to join the Twenty-fifth Regiment 
New York State Militia, then at Arlington Heights, Va., and was 
with them in crossins; the Long; bridge into Virginia. He 
returned with the regiment after three months service, and 
remained at home for one year very reluctantly. All that 
deterred him from re-enlistino; was the thoug-ht of leaving- his 
aged mother alone. He felt it would be breakiug up his home 
forever, as he was the only child remaining with her, one brother 
being already in the field with the Forty-fourth New York State 
Volunteers. 

At last he decided that it was his duty to take an active part 
in the struggle for the right, and the rest he would leave to God. 
He knew in whom he trusted. He enlisted in a company to be 
attached to the Forty-third Regiment New York Volunteers, 
then in the field, and took command of company G., Sept 4th, 
1862. 



232 COL. JAMES D. VISSCHER. 

He was in all tlie en£?a2i;ements witb the reofimcnt until tlie time 
of his death. After the l)attles of the Wilderness he was pro- 
moted to the Colonelcy of the regiment, May 12th, 1864. He 
was loved and respected by his officers and men for his soldierly 
conduct and C'hristian virtues. 

He was killed by a l)ullet from a sharpshooter in the attack on 
Fort Stevens, Washington, Ju\y 12th, 1864. He breathed but 
a few moments. " My poor mother, God help her," were his 
last words. He never Avent into an engagement without com- 
mitting himself to his Heavenly Father. His body was embalmed 
and sent home, and was buried with military honors from the 
church of which he was a member. His remains now rest with 
his kindred in the Albany Kural Cemetery. 

The following is an extract from the last letter that he wrote 
to his mother: 

Near Petersburg, Julf/ 1, 1864. 

Having a few spare moments from duty, I take the opportu- 
nity of writing. I thank God that he has preserved John and 
myself amid all the dangers through which we have passed. I 
trust all the future to Him, and hope, my dear mother, you will 
pray for us, that God will spare us to return. But if it is His 
will that either of us should be taken, may we all meet in 
heaven. With love, your affectionate son, J. D. V. 

The foUowins: remarks were made at the funeral of Col. James 
D. Visscher, by the Rev. C. D. M. Bridgman: 

"Of those whose names have given to the Forty-third Eegiment 
an historic interest — whose deeds have illumined its progress, 
is that of James D. Visscher, so recently promoted to its colo- 
nelcy, so suddenly released from its honorable duties, for the 
glory which they wear and the rest which they inherit who go 
upward from the midst of tribulation, having washed their robes 
and made them white in the l)lood of the Lamb. At the com- 
mencement of our civil strife he gladly went to the field of duty 
with the military organization Avith which he was earliest con- 
nected — the Twenty-fifth Regiment — and received his equal share 
of the lionors awarded it. On its return, after a brief term of 



COL, JAMES D. VISSCHER. 233 

service, he deciclctl to enlist a company of his own, and threw 
himself promptly, lal)oriously, into the work. No ai'gument, no 
appeal, could uproot his deep conviction or break the force of 
his high resolve. He seemed, as he bent inward, to have heard 
a call in his own soul to which it behooved him to give most 
earnest heed. He saw everything dear and valuable in life and 
society on these shores at stake; and though loving those who, 
in a great measure, were dependent on him, Avith a rare devo- 
tion, the spirit that was abroad in the air entered into and pos- 
sessed his soul. A higher breath than kindred and blood can 
impart, from God and the time, blew through his breast till it 
made the music there of the trumpet-stop. So was he stirred 
from within to mix in this conflict of the land and age. So did 
he assume his martial aspect, and the voice w^e had so often heard 
in our Sabbath praises sunk to a deeper tone and mingled into 
the grander diapason of a nation's righteous wrath. 

"Unlike so many who have gone away from the restraints of 
home and from daily converse with those who were their defence 
against wickedness and shame, he bore himself commendably, 
and, amongst the temptations which gather so thickly in the 
camp, illustrated, to a high degree, the strength which flows from 
a Christian's faith. 

" It was my privilege, a little more than a year ago, to visit 
his regiment in Virginia; and, while there, I w^itnessed a scene 
that will always live in my remembrance. It was on a warm and 
cheerful Sabbath morning, when, the usual inspection being over, 
martial music sounded through the little valley along which the 
regiment was encamped, summoning us, by its solemn strains, to 
the usual religious services. As we gathered to the slope on 
which such services were usually observed, we saw two persons 
in that company whom we never more will meet on earth — our 
brethren Wilson and Vissciier. The hymns were borne upward 
chiefly on their voices; and when I addressed the regiment and 
gazed into those two hearkening faces, it was w^ith gratitude to 
God that their lives were not in contradiction with their pastor's 
words. Again, in the hospital, they stood with me in the eve- 
ning of that day, leading our praises in that quiet hour, and lend- 



234 COL. JAMES D. VISSCIIER. 

ing to US, as to their Chaplain they had alwaj's done, the voice 
of their authority. I gratefully recall those scenes to-day; for 
they serve to illustrate what companions have affirmed of both, 
that they maintained a Chi-istian bearing during their absence 
from us, and help to contirm our faith that death to them waa 
only translation to the sceneries and blessedness of the heavenly 
estate. 

" In the recent l)attle in front of Washington — almost in sight 
of the plumed statue of Freedom, Avhose elevation to her lofty 
height, while the nation battles for the idea, is grandly signifi- 
cant — our brother fell, bravely baring his bosom to the foe, and 
interposing it as the living shield of our nation's capital. And 
so they both have passed awa}". Lovely and pleasant in their 
lives, in their death they were not long divided. Each has made 
his name honoraljle and illustrious; and whilst the State blazons 
their achievements on her historic annals, we will think of them 
as not dead, but translated to that higher realm, where earthly 
honors are lost to thought in the immortal dignity of being kings 
and priests to God, who serve and reign forever and ever. 

" So are we contributing, men and brethren, in these frequent 
gifts of youth, so strong and brave, to that great sacrilice which 
is to re-unite these separate fragments of our nation, and pur- 
chase for us a better than our former peace. So are we hallow- 
ing, in these graves of sons and brethren, the places along which 
the roots of the great tree of human freedom shall run, and take 
up a flavor and a richness to be unfolded in its blossoms and fruit 
throuo-h comino- ao;es. 

"We can appreciate the anguish which to-day heaves and 
swells in the souls of the bereaved, as they think of him whose 
mortal tabernacle lies still and cold, emptied of all that gave it 
comeliness and made it dear. They think of his tenderness as 
a brother, of his rare fidelity as a son. They think, perhaps, of 
that final appeal into which his spirit seems to have been 
breathed for her, whose pangs at his dying have been heavier 
than his own. But is there not a full, sufficient comfort in the 
fact that his life was devoted to such high uses? Is there not an 
adequate consolation in the Gospel which declares our Christian 



COL. JAIVIES D. VISSCHER. 235 

dead as never lost, but only taken up into the glories of the 
heavenly world, whence they reach out inviting arms to us who 
longer wait below? Is there not such a grandeur about our cause 
as compels them, even in their deep grief, to confess that he never 
could have fallen in a more glorious service, or won immortality 
by a more honorable fate? May these abundant comforts which 
God has given with this affliction be realized in all their fullness 
by the survivors. May this bereavement be so sanctified as that 
out of this death life shall spring, and in the beauty of spirits 
chastened and purified by loss, the beauty of the Lord our God 
shall be upon us." 



236 COL. HOWARD CAEROLL. 



HI. 

COL. HOWARD CARROLL. 

The followinof tribute to this distinguished officer is taken from 
one of our city papers, and was written soon after Col. Carroll's 
death: 

" We are now again called upon to mourn the loss of one whose 
death will leave a blank in society that will not easily be filled, 
and will bring sorrow to many hearts. To the list of the Alljany 
dead — of those who have fallen the most gloriously, in the heat 
of battle, in the hour of victory, with their faces to the enemy — 
we have now to add that of Howard Carroll, Colonel of the 
One Hundred and Fifth Regiment of our State Volunteers. 

"Howard Carroll, when he entered the army, had been a 
resident of this city about seven years, and, during that time, his 
manly qualities and his envial:)le accomplishments had endeared 
him in no ordinary degree to all who were fortunate enough to 
have been ranked among his friends. He was a native of Ireland, 
havinof been born in Dublin, and was a graduate of Dublin Uni- 
versity. He was thirty-five years of age at tlie time of his death. 
His family connections in Europe were of a distinguished charac- 
ter; his mother, after whose family name he was christened, 
being a relative of the Earl of Effingham, and his father's family 
occupying a high social position in Dublin. But to the fortuitous 
circumstances of l)irth he, of course, owed nothing here. His 
position in society was won by his personal merit, and he needed 
no extraneous aid. He was a man of large mind, of genius and 
of originality, an elegant and accomplished gentleman, and in 
personal appearance, as well as by reason of his education and 
acquirements, he would have graced any society. 

"By profession, Col. Carroll was a civil engineer. He had 



COL. HOWAED CARROLL. 237 

graduated at Colleges of Law and Medicine, as well as of Engi- 
neering, in Europe, but selected the latter profession as that 
which he designed to permanently follow. For the past six 
years he had been engaged on the Central railroad, and his ability 
as a practical engineer rendered him a valuable assistant to that 
corporation. He materially aided in designing the wrought iron 
bridges now in use on that road, and all those built under his 
superintendence bear evidence to his efficiency and skill as an 
engineer. He is spoken of as having been one of the most accom- 
plished civil engineers in this country. Col. Hentz, the Chief 
Engineer of the government of Prussia, where the railroads and 
canals are under the control of the Government, visited this 
country some time since to obtain information respecting our 
public works, and Ijecoming acquainted with Capt. Carroll, paid 
a high tribute to his accomplishments, and bestowed a special 
mark of consideration upon him, by forwarding him drawings of 
all the public works l)uilt by the Government of Prussia. 

" When the rebellion broke out. Colonel Carroll was offered 
the position of Brigade Quartermaster in Meagher's Brigade, 
and finding his services would be valuable in perfecting the 
organization of the brigade, he acted temporarily in that capacity, 
but resigned after it had become a success, desiring some more 
active and prominent position in the field, but always expressing 
his determination to enlist in the service of his adopted country. 
Subsequently, he was tendered tlie Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 
One Hundred and Fifth (Rochester) Regiment, a position he at 
once accepted. 

"After the regiment had been a short time in the service, its 
Colonel, Col. Fuller, resigned, and used his best efforts to secure 
the promotion of Lieutenant-Colonel Carroll to the Colonelcy, 
expressing the opinion to the Governor and Adjutant General 
that Howard Carroll was one of the most accomplished officers, 
as well as one of the coolest and bravest soldiers in the volunteer 
service of the State. 

" Col. Carroll was at once invested with the command of the 
regiment, and his subsequent career fully justified the judgment 
of his former commanding officer. His regiment became famous 



238 COL. HOWAED CARROLL. 

for its discipline and for its admiral)le conduct in the field. 
Their beloved commander led them in the battle of Cedar Moun- 
tain, and in all the fights in which McDowell's Corj)s, to which 
they were attached, took part in front of Washington during the 
four or five days of Pope's retreat. The regiment was distin- 
guished for its gallant conduct in all these engagements, and 
although cut down from its full complement to some four hundred 
men, was ordered up to the support of B.v^^ks, and behaved so 
well as to attract the attention of the glorious Hooker, who knew 
when a commanding officer was a fighting man of the true metal. 

" When McClellan was invested with supreme command, he 
at once recoo-nized Col. Carroll's services bv transferring his 
shattered regiment to Hooker's division, and placing him with 
the advance of the army in Maryland. The One Hundred and 
Fifth was in all the desperate fights that marked the onward 
march of our victorious General, after the tide of invasion had 
been checked, and the triumphant enemy l)eaten back into Vir- 
ginia, up to the Imttle of Antietam. During that bloody and 
hard-fought struggle. Col. Carroll was ordered to make a charge, 
with four other regiments, up the side of one of those steep 
ascents, upon the summit of which the enemy had taken up hiii 
position. The order was promptly obeyed. Putting himself at 
the head of his little l)and of heroes, the gaUant Colonel led 
them once more, but alas ! for the last time, to victory. The 
post was won. The enemy, in confusion, was driven from his 
position. But even while the shouts of triumph went forth. Col. 
Carroll was shot from his horse. A INIinnie ball passed through 
the calf of his left leg, entirely disabling him, and inflicting a 
very painful, but, as was supposed, not dangerous wound. 

"The Colonel was immediately carried from the field by his 
men, to whom his devotion and liraverv had much cndeai-ed him, 
l)ut, in the confusion of the day, and amidst the crowds of 
wounded, he could obtain no proper care. His wound was 
hastily and but partially dressed, and he Avas placed in an ambu- 
lance and hurried ofi' on ajo^irnei/ of over one hundred miles to 
Wasliington, without any proper care and attendance by the way. 
This journey no dou1)t caused his deatli. Wlien he reached the 



COL. HOWARD CARROLL. 239 

Capital, his leg was in a dreadful state of inflammation, and bis 
constitution was l^roken down by fever and exbaustion. He was 
in too low a condition to render amputation possible, with any 
prospect of recovery. He was placed in the hospital, and 
received every attention, when attention came to late; although 
even there, as we are assured, there is sad lack of proper surgi- 
cal skill. The fatal blunder was in sending severely wounded 
men so far, when Baltimore was only one-quarter of the distance, 
or when they might have been rested and attended to him at 
Frederick. 

" Poor Carroll protested against his removal in an ambulance 
over miserable roads, in such a condition, but he Avas helpless to 
prevent the sacrifice of life, which his own judgment told him 
must follow the ill-advised course. 

"Upon learning that Col. Carroll was among the wounded, a 
warm personal friend of the deceased, of this city, went on to 
Washington to ascertain his condition. He found him in a very 
low state, but left him, on Frida}^ of last week, more easy, and, as 
he believed, in a fair way of recovery. On Monday evening, 
however. Col. Carroll died, having been gradually sinking since 
Saturday evening. 

" While the wail of bereaved hearts is going up from tens of 
thousands of desolated homes; from the widow, who mourns in 
her loneliness; from the mother, who weeps for her son; from 
the orphan, who pines for a father's caress; from the sister, who 
can never again know the blessing of a brother's love; a single 
life may seem but of small moment, and the lamentations of 
personal friendship may almost take the semblance of selfishness 
amidst the general woe. But the officer to whose memory we 
have paid but a feeble tribute, possessed so many qualities to 
endear him to his friends — as an agreeable companion, an accom- 
plished gentleman, and a true hearted man — that we may well 
single him out among the many gallant dead, as one whose loss 
will be very deeply felt, and whose memory will long be kept 
green in many friendly hearts." 



240 COL. GEOKGE W, PRATT. 



XIII. 

COL. GEORGE W. PRATT. 

We sincerely regret that all the information that we have l)een 
able to obtain of this distinguished scholar and soldier, is con- 
tained in the following notices of the deceased, taken from our 
daily newspapers: 

"In the month of September, 18G2, Col. George W. Pratt, 
of the Twentieth New York State Militia, died in this city, 
whither he had been brouoht from the battle field. His death 
resulted from paralysis, caused by the explosion of a shell near 
his person in the action of August 29th, while he was gallantly 
leading his regiment. No wound was inflicted, but his whole 
system was paralyzed, and he was insensible most of the time 
after he was stricken down. He died at the residence of his 
mother-in-law, Mrs. Benjamin Tibbitts, corner of Hawk and Lan- 
caster streets. He was a young man of great promise. He had 
served as State Senator with ability and integrity. He Avas a 
merchant of enterprise and wealth. He was of cultivated under- 
standing and engaging manners. He had a knowledge of many 
different languages, and was a member of the leading scientific 
societies in this country and in Europe, and had received the 
degree of LL. D. from a leading German University. His library, 
in the department of Eastern literature, was the best in the coun- 
try. He had the Bible in thirty-two languages. His military 
ambition and his patriotism called him to the field on the out- 
break of the civil war, and he hastened to the support of the 
Government at the head of the Twentieth Regiment, of which he 
was Colonel. He was only called to a three months service, but 
he enlisted for the war, and had served with distinction through 
the long campaign, when he received his fatal wound on the dis- 



COL. GEORGE AV. PRATT, 241 

astrous field of Manassas. He was beloved and confided in by 
his soldiers; and the army will miss him, for he was one of the 
class most needed — a high-toned, conscientious and gallant sol- 
dier. He was but tliirty-two years of age." 

FUNERAL OF COL. G. W. PRATT. 

" The day was pleasant, and an immense concourse of people 
were in the streets to witness the imposing pageant. Flags 
were hung at half mast; guns were fired during the day, and the 
bells were tolled during the funeral march. The remains were 
buried from St. Peter's Church, where impressive services took 
place, under direction of Et. Rev. Bishops Alonzo and Horatio 
Potter. The procession moved from the church in the follow- 
ing order: 

Detachment of Police. 

Military Escort. 

Band. 

Tenth Regiment N. Y. S. N. G., including the Albany Burgesses 

Corps, Col. Ainsworth commanding. 

HEARSE, 

Flanked by Pall Bearers and the Masonic Lodge of Kingston. 

Horse of deceased, led by private servant. 

Col. Wright and Staff. 

Brig. Gen. Sampson and Staff. 

Historical Society of Kingston. 

Mayor and Common Council of Albany. 

Masonic Order. 

Friends of the deceased residing in Kingston and Catskill. 

Family and friends of deceased, in carriages. 

Citizens. 

"The whole was under the command of Col. Bryan, assisted 
by Lieut. Col. Chamberlain and Quartermaster Rathbone, of the 
Tenth Regiment. The line was formed on the south side of 
State street, right resting on Chapel street, at half past one 
o'clock. The procession moved down State street to Broadway, 

16 



242 COL. GEORGE W. PRATT. 

up Broadway to Ferry, where a halt was made to allow the mili- 
tary and other associations to take the cars for the cemetery. 
The steamer Manhattan arrived yesterday morning from Rondout 
with some six hundred citizens of that place, Kingston and 
vicinity. Among them were the Masonic lodges of those places, 
which, with the lodges of this city, constituted one of the most 
imposing features of the procession. The pageant was a fitting 
demonstration of respect to the memory of a young and gallant 
officer, and citizen of intellectual and moral worth." 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 243 



XIV. 

LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK LYMAN TREMAIN. 

From his Father. Hon. Lyihan Tremaix. 

By the death of Frederick L. Tremain, my first born child 
has been removed from my family, in the morning of his life, and 
his name added to the honored roll of patriot martyrs who have 
fallen in the recent struggle for national existence. 

When one so brave and patriotic, so good and generous, and, 
I may add, so talented and distinguished as the subject of this 
memoir, gives his young life to his country, the promptings of 
justice and patriotism alone, would require that some record of 
his example and his services should be preserved. 

The voluntary testimonials to his virtues, and to the estima- 
tion in which he was held by his brother officers in the army, 
and by others, who knew him intimately, have been so numerous 
and emphatic, and the expressions of public sympathy and sor- 
row so extraordinary and general, as to justify a more enduring 
memorial than can be supplied by written letters, or the news- 
papers of the day. 

Nor, as I believe, can this labor of love devolve on any one 
more fitly than on me. No earthly vanity, no vain desire to 
obtain earthly fame for my gallant boy, exerts any influence up- 
on my action. How vain and empty are earthly fame and worldly 
honors to him whose remains are deposited in the tomb! How 
hollow and unsatisfactory are these to one crushed and pros- 
trate under a blow so severe and bewildering, as that I have 
received! 

Were it not for other duties and obligations, often would I 
have been disposed to use the mourning lamentation of David 
for his dead son: 



244 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

"O my son Absalom! my son, my son Absalom! would God I 
had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son." 

But Absalom lost his life while he was eno-aoed in a treason- 
able conspiracy against the government and authority of his 
Royal ftither, while my son ofiered his, in obedience to the call 
of his country, and in the performance of the highest duty that 
could rest upon him as a dutiful, loyal, obedient and faithful son 
and citizen. 

While so much of my happiness, my hopes and my heart lie 
l^uried with my brave l)oy, it may afford me some solace — it is 
the very least tribute I can offer to his memory — to perform the 
melancholy office of doing justice to his career. 

It may serve to remind my descendants of the household 
monument which can be seen in my family, so long as that family 
shall exist. 

It may serve to teach them the Avickedness and sin of treason 
against a beneficent government! It may tend to strengthen 
their love for a country, the preservation of which has demanded 
so costly a sacrifice! It may stimulate them to take a higher 
view of their duty to their country and their God! The bright 
example of this young patriot may nerve their arm, and 
strengthen their heart, to oft'er any and all necessary sacrifices, 
even the sacrifice of life itself, higher than which can no man 
give, for the preservation of our country, our union, and our free 
institutions! 

Frederick Lyman Tremain was the eldest child of Lyman 
and Helen Cornwall Tremain, and was born at Durham, Greene 
county, N. Y., on the 13th of June, 1843. He died at City Point 
Hospital, Virginia, on the 8th of February, 1865, from a gunshot 
wound received in battle, near Hatcher's Run, on the 6th of Feb- 
ruary, being twenty-one years, seven months and twenty-four 
days old at the time of his death. 

Of his ancestry, all that I propose to state in this connection 
is that he descended, both on his father's and mother's side, from 
revolutionary stock. His paternal great-grandftither, Nathaniel 
Tremain, was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who died, 
highly esteemed and respected, at Pittsfield, Berkshire county, 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 245 

Mass. His maternal great-grandfather, Captain Dan. Cornwall, 
was also a soldier of the lievolntion, and a worthy citizen, who 
died at Cornwallsville, Greene county, N. Y. 

In his boyish career, there is little to record, which is worthy 
of special notice. While he was by no means precocious, he 
was a remarkably bright, intelligent and active boy. His nature 
was so genial and generous that he Avas always a favorite, not 
only with his youthful comrades, but with all Avho were brought 
in contact with him. 

He had a remarkable facility in the acquisition of knowledge, 
and, apparently without eftbrt, mastered whatever lessons were 
required of him, in and out of school. In all boyish sports and 
athletic exercises, he was an acknowledged leader. He displayed 
then, and through his subsequent life, an unusual degree of me- 
chanical ingenuity. 

There was one trait in his character which was developed at a 
very early period, and which became, afterwards, prominent and 
extraordinary. This was his wonderful courage, coolness and 
self-reliance. Many instances to illustrate this characteristic 
might be related, commencing as early as when he was three 
years old, but I refrain from giving them a place here, fearful 
that their publication might be ascribed to an overweening 
parental fondness. Quick in forming his conclusions, prompt in 
action, fertile in resources, obstacles and difficulties served only 
to stimulate him in the execution of his purposes, and rare, very 
rare, was the instance, so rare, indeed, that no case can be now 
recalled, in which he failed to accomplish, successfully, whatever 
he undertook. 

His religious education was carefully attended to, and, at an 
early age, he received the holy rite of baptism, in the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, at Oak Hill, under the ministration of the 
Rev. L. A. Barroavs. The folloAving extract is from a letter 
received from this faithful minister and good man, Avritten at 
Norfolk, St. LaAvrence count}^ his present residence: 

" We feel to deeply sympathize Avith you under the dark cloud 
Avhich this sudden and unoxpocted bereavement has tlii'OAvn over 
you. Since such is the melancholy fact, that a dear child, a 



246 LIEUT. COL. FREDEEICK L. TREMAENT. 

brilliant youth, in the defence of his country, has been called 
from your paternal embrace, let faith lift the veil, and view in a 
world of bliss, future scenes more glorious than could have been 
Avon here on battle fields. Frederick is gone. I placed the 
form of the cross upon his forehead, and, as in life, so in death, 
let us believe that he triumphed over the spiritual enemy, and is 
now rejoicing in the kingdom of God." 

Here let me add that, after his death, there was found in his 
camp tent, carefully preserved, a copy of the Holy Bible, given 
to him by his dear mother, with a mark placed at chapters 
five and six of Matthew, which contain that sublime and com- 
prehensive epitome of man's whole duty, Christ's sermon on 
the mount. 

In November, 1853, he removed, with his father's family, from 
Durham to the city of Albany, where he continued to reside until 
his death. Here several years were passed in faithful and dili- 
gent study, preparatory to his college education. The schools 
he attended in the city were the Albany Boys' Academy, and 
afterwards the Classical Institute, in Eagle street, of which Prof. 
Charles H. Anthony was Principal. Under the instruction of 
this excellent and faithful teacher he spent between two and three 
years of his life. Between Mr. Anthony and his young pupil, 
relations of friendship were contracted which continued in full 
force to the end. The photograph of this teacher of his boy- 
hood was found, after his death, among the valued memorials in 
his army trunk. 

In 1858, Frederick entered the classical school for boys, 
imder the charge of Mr. James Sedgwick, at Great Barrington, 
Mass. In this beautiful New England village he remained, pur- 
suing his studies and attracting the affectionate regard of teach- 
ers and schoolmates, for one year. 

In the spring of 1859, he became a pupil in the celebrated 
school for boys, under the charge of the Rev. Thomas C. Reed, 
D. D., at Walnut Hill, Geneva. He continued in Dr. Reed's 
school until the summer of 1860, when several of his school 
companions were examined for admission into Hobart College, 
Geneva, and Frederick, who had formed very strong attach- 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN". 247 

ments with them, also applied and passed his examination, and 
having been found qualified, was admitted into the Freshman 
Class and entered that college at the commencement of the col- 
lege year in September, 18 GO. 

The two years, or nearly two years of his college life were 
marked by no unusual incidents. Many warm friendships were 
formed, and his genial and unselfish character, as well as his 
excellent natural abilities, were duly appreciated. 

By the firing upon Fort Sumter his patriotism was aroused, 
and he experienced an ardent desire to become a volunteer in the 
Army of the Union. About this time the people of Geneva were 
enfjajjed in orsfanizino; an eno^ineer corps, under the command of 
Mr. Charles B. Stuart, formerly State Engineer and Surveyor. 
Frederick desired to enlist, and applied to his father for his 
permission; but, there being at that time no difiiculty in procur- 
ing volunteers, and his college career having commenced only 
the fall before, the paternal consent was then withheld — not 
finally, but for the present. 

In December, 1861, the annual sophomore exercises in public 
speaking took place, and Frederick was selected as one of the 
thirteen speakers of his class to participate in them. In a letter 
inviting his parents to attend, he writes : "I think you will not 
hear any bad speaking; but, on the contrary, will hear much 
good speaking on the occasion." The exhibition took place at 
Linden Hall, in the presence of a large and intelligent audience, 
and he acquitted himself quite creditably. In the "Geneva 
Gazette" his performance was specially mentioned in compli- 
mentary and flattering terms. 

During the summer of 18(32, after the President's call for more 
men appeared, Frederick, who had never for a moment relin- 
quished his desire to enter the army, again urged his father to 
yield his consent. The author was thus brought face to face 
with the stern reality of war, and he was called upon to deter- 
mine the question whether the application of this loved son 
should be granted or denied. He had, from the commencement 
of the groat conflict, labored, to the extent of his ability, to con- 
vince his covmtrymen that it was their duty to sustain the Gov- 



248 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

erament and overthrow the rebellion. He had exerted what- 
ever influence he possessed, by public addresses and in various 
other modes, to induce men to take the field ao-ainst the enemies 
of the country. The conviction that it was the solemn duty of 
every American citizen to sustain the authority and preserve the 
life of the nation at any and all sacrifices, was as full and com- 
plete as the human mind was capable of entertaining. This con- 
viction formed a part of his very being, and he believed that, in 
this great crisis of the nation's peril, his duty to his beloved 
country was second only to his duty to his God. 

Adherence to this conviction had already caused the sundering 
of ties and associations cherished through life, and thereby pro- 
duced an amount of mental suttermg capable of being endured 
only by the consciousness of duty performed. More than one 
year's terrible experience in the sanguinary struggle, had revealed 
the dangerous character of the conspiracy formed to overthrow 
the Union and our Eepublican institutions, and to strengthen the 
belief, that without universal self-denial and united action among 
the friends of the Eepublic, all would be lost, and once gone, 
could never be regained. 

Should he now refuse to make the sacrifice required, by per- 
mitting that son to aid in the defence of his imperiled country, 
a sacrifice which he had been asking others to make? Should he 
withhold from the service of that country one who possessed the 
ability and the desire to make himself useful in the contest? 
Should he be subjected to the reproach of having urged others to 
send their sons, l)rothers and relatives to the war, and yet shrink 
from the application of the stern test of sincerity and patriotism 
in the case of his own son? 

Should he compel that son to feel and, perhaps, to admit, in 
future times, that he was withheld from going forth to fight 
against his country's enemies by his own father, and that father 
one who had professed to be in favor of prosecuting the war 
witli all the power and resources of the nation? 

After careful deliberation, aided l)y the best lights which his 
im])erfect human reason afforded, he resolved that liis consent 
should no longer be withheld, and it was granted. 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L, TREM.VIN. 249 

And now, with the Ijright hopes and brilliant promises that 
clustered around that gallant youth forever extinguished — now, 
with soul and spirit crushed l)y the traitorous bullet which took 
his young life — noAV, with the prop on which I had fondly hoped 
to lean, in my declining years, shivered to atoms, the question 
comes home to me: Did I right in yielding that consent? and 
down, down from the inmost recesses of my soul, the still small 
voice of conscience whispers an affirmative response. 

The consent of his mother followed, and Frederick imme- 
diately began his arrangements for the new field of duty, with 
great earnestness and energy. He had already become a mem- 
ber of Company A, of the Zouave Cadets, a uniformed company 
in the Tenth Regiment of INIilitia, and had been engaged in 
acquiring the drill and the necessary military science. This 
company has become highly distinguished during the war. It 
can point, on its muster rolls, to many names among the noblest, 
most gifted and patriotic of the young men of Albany. It has 
already sent more than ninety of its members to the field, each 
one of whom has earned and obtained a commission, many of 
high rank, and all of respectable position. 

Having obtained from Hobart College, an honorable dismissal, 
his attention was immediately devoted to the new regiment of 
infantrv, known as the One Hundred and Thirteenth Resinient 
of New York Volunteers, which was then in the process of being 
organized in the city of Albany. 

For the purpose of organizing this regiment. His Excellency, 
Governor Morgan, had designated a war committee, embracing 
some of the most patriotic and influential citizens of Albany, and 
the committee held daily sessions at the Mayor's room in the 
City Hall. It was resolved to make this regiment one of the 
best that had been sent forth from the State. The Governor had 
entrusted to the committee the duty of recommending suitable 
persons to obtain authorization papers, to recruit volunteers with 
reference to having commissions, as lieutenants and captains, 
issued to those who were able to recruit the requisite number of 
men. 

Frederick promptly applied to the committee, and was the 



250 LIEUT. COL. FREDEEICK L. TREMAIN. 

first person who received from the Adjutant General, on the 
recommendation of the committee, authority to obtain recruits 
for the new regiment. He erected his tent in front of Capitol 
Park, in State street, issued his posters, associated with him 
young Orr and young McEwen, (the former of whom has since 
lost his life in the army, and the latter is now Judge Advocate 
of the First Division, Second Army Corps, having been for some 
time a prisoner at Libby Prison, Richmond) and proceeded, with 
vigor and energy, to obtain volunteers. Indeed, the real man- 
hood of his character was displayed from the moment he felt 
the responsibilities of his position, and continued to manifest 
itself, more and more clearly, in every subsequent stage of his 
career. 

The late Adjutant General, John T. Sprague, then a Major in 
the United States Army, was on duty for the Government at 
Albany, as an auditing and disbursing officer. The war com- 
mittee unanimously designated him as the Colonel of the new 
regiment, and he accepted the position. The Government at 
Washington, however, soon after this, declined to relieve him 
from duty in the regular army, and hence he was only enabled 
to act as Colonel for a very few days. During that time, how- 
ever, discovering the necessity of an Adjutant for the regiment, 
and being acquainted with Frederick, Col. Sprague kindly ten- 
dered him the position of Adjutant. It was accepted, and his 
selection approved by Gov. Morgan. 

In the time that intervened, prior to the period w hen the regi- 
ment left Albany, which was about thirty days, the whole duty of 
organizing it, and getting it into proper working order, devolved 
upon the new Adjutant. 

To the faithful discharge of these duties, Frederick devoted 
himself, days and nights, dividing his time between the head- 
quarters in Broadway and the l)arracks. How readily he mas- 
tered those duties, and how well he performed them, may be 
inferred from the frequent compliments bestowed upon him by 
the committee, w^ho were superintending his movements, and 
who were surprised and gratified ])y the qualities he exhil>ite(.l. 
If any apprehensions had been entertained, by reason of the 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIX. 251 

Adjutant's youth, it is believed they were entirely and speedily 
dispelled. 

Lewis O. Morris, the Colonel, who was selected to command 
the ncAV regiment, was a valuable and accomplished ofKcer. lie 
had been fifteen years in the army, and bore an enviable reputa- 
tion as an artillery officer. 

About the 19th of August, 1862, the One Hundred and Thir- 
teenth Regiment, with ten hundred and sixty bayonets, left the 
city of Albany, under orders to report at Washington. It was 
one of the first regiments placed in the field, under the Presi- 
dent's call, and received a beautiful stand of colors, as well as 
the Springfield muskets, which had been promised to each of the 
first four regiments. A finer regiment, or one carrying with it 
so many good wishes and so much interest, on the part of Alba- 
nians, never left our city. 

When the regiment reached Washington, the officer in charge 
of its defences, knowing the skill of Col. Morris as an artillery 
officer, procured the assignment of the regiment to duty upon 
the defences of the city, where it was, not long afterwards, con- 
verted into the Seventh New York Artillery. 

The ensuing fifteen months were passed by Frederick, with 
his regiment, near Fort Eeno, about five miles from Washington. 
He applied himself diligently to the acquisition of the knowledge 
required in the artillery service. Part of the time he was en- 
gaged in teaching a school of officers in military tactics. He 
devoted himself faithfully to the performance of his official 
duties. Twice I had the pleasure of visiting him there, and 
could not fail to discover that he was a universal favorite with 
the officers and men. 

He became thoroughly familiar with his new profession. About 
the time of leaving the regiment, he happened one day to be 
engaged with a brother officer in discussing the subject of being 
examined, as to qualifications, before a military board in session 
at Washington, when Frederick volunteered to be examined. 
His duties called him frequently to Washington, and soon after- 
wards he presented himself before the board, and was subjected 
to a thorough examination, the result of which Avas that he passed 



252 LIEUT. COL. FREDEEICK L. TREMAIN. 

the examination successfully, and was tendered, in a few days, a 
Lieutenant Colonel's commission in a colored regiment, but 
meantime he had received another appointment, which he pre- 
ferred. 

At one time he had a severe attack of typhoid fever, produced 
by the miasma of the Potomac, to which he was exposed in the 
discharo;e of his official duties, and under the advice of his sur- 
geon, he olitained a short leave of absence and visited his home, 
but soon returned to his duties with renewed zeal and energy. 
In writing; to me that he had deemed it best for his health to 
make a short visit home, his surgeon says: 

" The Adjutant was quite unwilling to listen to the suggestion, 
but deeming it best, I insisted, imperatively, and shall apply for 
a furlough to-morrow. 

"Kegretting the necessity which separates him, even tempora- 
rily, from the staff, on his own account, I should do myself 
injustice, as well as injustice to my brother officers, if I omitted 
to state that we shall wait anxiously to hear of his convalescence, 
and to welcome him again to the regiment." 

Frederick was a universal favorite among the common sol- 
diers. He always treated them with kindness and justice. Quick 
to discover real merit in a private, and mingling much with the 
men, his opinions concerning promotions had great influence 
with Colonel Morris, and many a deserving soldier has been 
indebted for his promotion from the ranks, to the aid and recom- 
mendation of the Adjutant. 

He began, after more than a year had elapsed, and still no 
orders to move came, to desire more active service. The con- 
version of his regiment into an artillery regiment, thus placing 
it in a higher branch of service, had been gratifying to him, but 
he had not anticipated so long a continuance of garrison duty, 
and, liavino; reason to believe that the regiment miijht remain 
doing that duty for a long time, and perhaps until the end of the 
war, his active spirit began to chafe under the monotony of his 
present life. Animated by an honorable ambition, he could not 
enjoy a bfe of inglorious ease. 

He wrote several letters to the author, expressing these feel- 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 253 

ings, and desiring his aid in obtaining a position where he might 
have an opportunity to acquire distinction, and strike a blow at 
the enemies of his country. 

Influenced by these appeals, the author applied for, and, in 
Noveml)er, obtained, for Frederick, Presidential appointment 
as Assistant Adjutant General, with the rank of Captain; an 
appointment which was subsequently confirmed by the Senate. 
I was present when this appointment was handed to him by that 
devoted patriot and able cabinet officer, Edwin M. Stanton. He 
observed, as he gave it, "I trust I shall hereafter have the plea- 
sure of conferring on you higher honors;" to which Frederick 
modestly replied, " I hope my future conduct will give you no 
reason to regret the confidence reposed in me." 

Frederick had learned of the reputation already acquired by 
that brave and rising young General, Henry E. Davies, Jr., of 
the cavalry service, and he asked for and obtained an order to 
report to him for duty. His departure from the old Seventh 
Regiment was the occasion for many regrets, with officers and 
men, and with himself. The officers assembled to bid him an 
affectionate farewell, and the regimental band serenaded him on 
the eve of his departure. This noble regiment took the field 
the following spring with more than one thousand seven hundred 
and sixty bayonets, and of these brave men how few, either offi- 
cers or men, are now surviving! 

On the 12th of November, soon after his departure. Colonel 
Morris issued an order appointing his successor, which was duly 
made public, and contained the following handsome allusion to 
the late Adjutant: 

"The Colonel commanding, while he rejoices at the promotion 
of Captain Tremain, regrets that it will send him to a new field 
of duty, and sever his connection with this regiment. 

"He will bear with him the best wishes of the officers of the 
regiment for his future welfare and success." 

Pursuant to orders, Frederick reported for duty to General 
Davies, then commanding the First Brigade in the Third Divi- 
sion of the Cavalry Corps. The new field of duty thus opened 
to him, was specially suited to his taste and feelings. It was the 



254 LIEUT. COL. FEEDEEICK L. TEEMAIN. 

cavalry service, and the excitement, life and dash of that arm of 
the service were peculiarlj^ adapted to his ardent and enthusiastic 
nature. He became devotedly fond of the cavalry service; the 
remainder of his life was spent in it, and he became more and 
more interested in and attached to it. An accomplished and 
veteran officer, who knew him well, and who had been for 
nearly a year in the same division with him, remarked to the 
author recently, " Feedeeick was our beau ideal of a cavalry 
officer. Brave, generous and chivalrous, he attracted our admi- 
ration. We were all proud of him. He had no enemy in the 
corps, and he achieved a reputation for gallantry equal to that of 
any officer in the army." 

In the month of April commenced those grand movements of 
the cavalry which have become already historic. From that 
time, down to his death, the active military career of Feedeeick 
may be said to have been accomplished. He was an actor in 
those mighty military movements on which depended the fate 
of the nation. He was a soldier of the Republic in the great 
Army whose tread shook the Continent of America, and whose 
heroic deeds have excited the wonder and admiration of the 
world. 

To the pen of history belongs the noble task of recording the 
military operations in which he had the honor to participate 
during the ever memorable campaign of 1864. And yet, when 
we consider the bloody and obstinate nature of the battles thai 
were fought; the glorious and unconquerable resolution which 
was displayed in conducting the movements of the Union armies; 
the immense loss of human life; the masterly combinations of 
those armies; the vast extent of country which constituted the 
field of their display; the number of those brilliant raids per- 
formed by the cavalry alone, through the hejirt of an enemy's 
country, each one constituting an interesting history of itself; 
the toil, the sacrifices, the fatigue, sufterings, and perils to which 
the heroic soldiers in those armies were continually subjected, 
and to which, with unflinching fortitude and cheerfulness, they 
sulmiitted; when we consider, too, the innumeral)]e deeds of 
personal bravery, performed l)oth by officers and men; the holy 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 255 

and patriotic purposes by which the great body of those armies 
was prompted; the unselfish willingness they manifested to sac- 
rifice their lives for the preservation of the honor, the integrity, 
and the unity of their country; and, finally, the glorious and suc- 
cessful results of all these operations, we may well doubt whether 
history will ever contain more than an outline skeleton of them all. 

My allusions to these movements must, necessarily, be brief 
and imperfect. A few weeks l)efore his death, Frederick, at my 
request, declared his resolution to prepare, at his first leisure 
moments, a record of the battles in which he had been engaged, 
but alas ! that leisure never came ! 

His reports, as Assistant Adjutant General, giving a history 
of these movements, are not yet accessible to the public, and I 
have derived no information from them. He participated in no 
less than twenty-five battles and skirmishes during a period of 
ten months. My knowledge of these is derived from his own 
letters, dashed off in the midst of exciting scenes, from his con- 
versations, and from information cheerfully furnished by culti- 
vated and intelligent army officers, who were associated with him 
at difierent periods of time during the campaign. 

On the 22d of April, the Second Cavalry Division, which 
included the Second Brigade, to which Frederick was attached, 
moved from Warrenton to a place near the Junction — the whole 
Division being under the command of Major General David M. 
Gregg. Here it remained until the 29th, when it advanced to 
Paoli Mills, and on the 2d of May moved over to Richardsville. 

On the 4th of May the cavalry crossed the Rapidan in advance 
of the infantry, and the whole Army of the Potomac crossed 
soon after, in pursuance of General Grant's orders. This was 
the beginning of the general movement of the army — the intel- 
ligence of which sent a thrill of excitement throughout the 
country. 

The famous battles of the Wilderness soon followed. These 
commenced on the 5th, and continued for seven days. They 
were fought without artillery, under great disadvantages, in the 
woods, with varied fortunes; and during their continuance were 
displayed those wx)ndcrful qualities of courage and dogged reso- 



256 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

lution for which General Grant has become so clistinguished, and 
also the l)raveiy and heroism, which have covered with glory the 
Army of the Potomac. The loss of life was immense, but the 
rebels were driven from the ground, and our army moved on- 
ward in its progress towards the walls of Kichmond, and towards 
the accomplishment of the great object which current events 
seem so plainly to indicate must ultimately be accomplished.. 

On the first day of these battles, the cavalry became engaged 
with the enemy's cavalry and infantry in the vicinity of Todd's 
Tavern, near Corbin's Bridge. 

Severe fighting was continued by the cavalry for several days. 
This was the first time Frederick was "under fire." His con- 
duct on the occasion excited great admiration. He displayed all 
the coolness of a veteran. His General, in speaking of his gal- 
lantry soon afterwards, remarked, "that he was one of the few 
men he had seen who did not seem to know the meaning of fear." 

On the first day the cavalry were mounted, and the staff offi- 
cers were much exposed. General Davies and Frederick were 
in front, when the enemy charged in and broke our skirmish line, 
nearly capturing both of them. This cavalry engagement is 
known as the battle of Todd's Tavern. It was during the pro- 
gress of this battle that Frederick charged upon the enemy, at 
the head of a column, breaking through their lines, and cutting 
his way hack to the main army. 

In the evening of May 8th, an order was received commanding 
the Cavalry Corps to proceed to Eichmond and destroy the com- 
munications between Lee's army and that city, and to form a 
junction with Butler's army. The movement of the entire Cav- 
alry Corps, commanded by General Sheridan, commenced on 
the morning of the 9th. In the afternoon of that day the enemy 
attacked the cavalry in the rear, and a severe fight occurred in 
which the rebels were repulsed with considerable loss. This 
occurred at a place called Childsburg. The cavalry only took 
with them on this march rations for four or five days. 

On the 10th, another attack was made by the enemy, followed 
up by continued skirmishing and fighting. Onr cavalry suc- 
ceeded, this day, in recapturing from the enemy about three 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 257 

hundred and lift}^ prisoners, who had been captured on the 
second or third day of the fight in the Wilderness, Among them 
were two Colonels and Captain Wood, a son of the Honorable 
Bradford Wood, of Albany. As may avcII be supposed, they 
were delighted with the change in their condition. They were 
on the i)oint, when retaken, of being placed in the railroad cars 
at Beaver Dam Station. Some of their guard fled and the rest 
were taken prisoners. Our troops, on the same day, captured a 
large quantity of arms, about a million rations, and destroyed 
three locomotives besides three trains of cars. The night of the 
10th they encamped within twenty miles of Richmond. 

In the morning of the 11th, the First Brigade was detached 
from the main body and sent to destroy the railroad at Ashland 
Station and the bridge over the South Anna Eiver. At Ashland 
the contents of a Post Oflice were seized, and as a school for 
young ladies was located here, the captured correspondence 
aflbrded some amusement to the captors. 

Frederick accompanied the brigade, and after destroying the 
railroad at Ashland, he was sent, with two squadrons of cavalry 
(about one hundred men) to destroy the bridge, when he was 
cut off from the main body of the brigade, and was supposed, 
for some time, to have been taken prisoner. He continued, how- 
ever, on another route, destroying the railroad as they proceeded, 
until late in the afternoon, when he succeeded in rejoining the 
main column below, much to the satisfaction of his comrades, 
who had despaired of seeing him and his little force again. The 
same day a severe fight occurred at Old Tavern, with the enemy's 
cavalry under the ftmious Jcl) Stewart, who was killed. 

That night the corps marched all night, and on the morning 
of the 12th reached the Chickahominy river, near Meadow's 
Bridge. Here a terrific battle ensued with the whole of the 
enemy's cavalry force and infantry, which had been sent out from 
Richmond. The enemy greatly outnumbered our forces, and, 
during a considerable portion of the time, our troops were sur- 
rounded, and fighting was carried on, around four sides of the 
square where our troops were placed, but, under the coimuand 
of the indomitable Sheridan, they broke through the enemy's 

17 



25S LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

lines, and in the afternoon, General Custer having driven the 
enemy from the bridge, our forces crossed the Chickahominy, 
leaving no prisoners in the enemy's hands except those who 
were wounded. 

In this battle the fragment of a spent shell was hurled against 
Frederick's person, inflicting a pretty severe injury, although 
he treated it lightly in his letter to his mother describing the 
raid. 

It was during this raid that he was sent in advance to place a 
squadron on picket duty, and they came so near the city of Rich- 
mond as to see the lights and the steeples, and to hear the bells 
of the city. This engagement is known as the battle of Rich- 
mond Heights. The enemy did not pursue, and that night the 
corps bivouacked at a place bej^oud Mechanicsville. On the 
night of the 13th the cavalry remained at Bottom's Bridge, and 
on the 14th moved to Haxall's Landing, on the James river, 
where our gun boats mistaking the advance guard for the enemy, 
at first, fired upon them, but on being signaled the firing ceased 
and the tired and worn out troops formed the contemplated 
junction with Butler's army. 

Thus terminated one of the most extraordinary raids on record. 
It will ever retain a place among the most brilliant achievements 
of the war. A force of cavalry alone advanced through the 
heart of Virginia, to the very gates of Richmond, cutting their 
way through all opposing forces, breaking up the enemy's lines 
of communication, removing forever all antiquated prejudices 
against the cavalry, and establishing the efliciency and usefulness 
of that arm of the service. 

The successful accomplishment of this expedition seems more 
like romance than sober reality. From that hour the rising star 
of General Sheridan has been in the ascendant, and a grateful 
people will ever cherish, with gratitude and pride, the recollec- 
tion of the feats performed by him and his bold raiders of the 
Cavalry Corps. 

On his arrival at the James river, Frederick wrote a letter to 
his mother, in pencil, giving a graphic account of the raid, which 
w^as published, at the time, in the "Evening Journal." In 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 259 

alluding to this publication, afterwards, he wrote with character- 
istic modesty: 

" I am sorry that any of my letters are published. I do not 
wi"ite them for publication, and do not wish them published; I 
hope that no more will be, for, if they are, I shall stop giving 
any accounts at all." 

To return to the cavalry: They laid at the James river two or 
three days, to recruit the tired horses and men, and then moved 
back, to rejoin the main army, crossing the Chickahominy hy 
night, at Jones' Ford, and returning by way of the Baltimore 
Cross Roads and Cold Harbor. Daily skirmishes took place 
with the rebel cavaliy. They then went to the White House, 
Avhere they obtained supplies and rations, after which they 
marched back and joined the main army near Hanover Court 
House, on the 25th, having successfully accomplished all that 
had been expected. 

Immediately afterwards there Avas a general advance of the 
army, and the cavalry moved down to Hanover Town, on the 
Pamunkey river. After marching two days and one night they 
met the enemy on the 28th, near Haw's Shop, when the most 
severe and obstinate cavalry light of the war occurred. It com- 
menced at ten o'clock in the morning, and continued until six iu 
the afternoon, the lighting on our side being done principally by 
Gen. Davies' Brigade, assisted, towards the close of the battle, 
by Gen. Custer's Brigade, when the enemy were driven from 
the field, leaving their killed and wounded in possession of our 
troops. 

Although Frederick distinguished himself in this battle, as 
appears by a letter from one of the staff officers, yet, in his let- 
ter home, he makes no allusion to his own conduct. In a letter 
written to his father, on the 30th, he had, for the first time, 
evinced some depression of spirits, but in a subsequent one, 
dated June 3d, he apologizes for it, and gives a brief description 
of the fight. He writes: 

" I was feeling badly then, and the reason was that on the 28th 
we lost Lieut. Wardell, of our staff. He was my tent mate, and 
for a long time we had slept together and were very intimate 



260 LIEUT. COL. FEEDERICK L. TEEMALST. 

indeed. He was killed instantly while riding at the General's 
side. The fight of Hanover Town, on the 28th, is said to have 
been the most severe cavalry fight of the war. The fighting was 
done principally by our brigade. We were in aliont eight hours, 
and lost twenty-five otficers and one hundred and sixty-eight men, 
killed and wounded. 

"The General was riding a white horse, and went up on to 
the skirmish line with two statf officers, two orderlies and one 
bugler. One staff officer was killed instantly; the other had his 
horse killed, and the bugler was also killed. The General's 
horse was shot through the tail, and a bullet broke his scabbard. 
It is my duty to be with the General always, unless sent away 
specially, and, fortunately for me, I was so sent to another part 
of the field, and was looking for the General when this occurred, 
and in one minute more would have been in the same place, had 
I not met him coming out when he stopped me. 

" I send a rebel paper. You will see by it that they supposed 
our whole cavalry force was engaged, together with two corps of 
infantry, while actually there was only our brigade, assisted for 
the last three hours by General Custar's Brigade, but the brunt 
of the fighting was done by this brigade. They say they only 
had one brigade, but in another part of the paper they admit 
havins: several detachments of other brigades. We know, from 
our prisoners, that their whole cavalry force was engaged, to- 
gether with some mounted infantry. We found on the field, 
after we had driven them from it, one hundred and sixty-six 
dead rebels, and forty wounded ones, and as there are usually 
eisht or ten wounded to one killed, their loss must have been 
immense. 

" My horse was shot slightly in the neck. Since then we 
have had several smaller fights, but I have not time now to men- 
tion them." 

This battle is known as the battle of Haw's Shop, or Bethesda 
Church. Between this time and the Gordonsville raid, hereafter 
mentioned, there was considerable severe fighting around Cold 
Harbor, at Barker's INIills and on the Chickahominy, in which the 
cavalry participated. The whole army moved down finally to 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 201 

Bottom's Bridge. Before going to Bottom's Bridge, the cavalry 
had a severe engagement at Sumner's Upper bridge, and, while 
dismounted, held possession of it for some time, and until 
relieved by the infantry. 

We come now to another of those celebrated cavalry raids 
which have given to Gen. Sheridan, and his famous Cavalry 
Corps, a national and world-wide reputation. 

On the 0th of June the Cavalry Corps left Newcastle, on the 
Pamunkey river, and after marching days and nights, with only 
four hours in the twenty-four devoted to rest, on the 11th met 
the enemy at Trevillian Station, near Gordonsville, when a seA'ere 
l)attle ensued, which continued for two days, the enemy having 
the advantage of fighting behind breastworks. We captured 
several hundred prisoners, but finding it impossible to break 
through their fortifications, our troops retired, and returned by 
way of Spottsylvania Court House, a circuitous route, to White 
House, where our wagon train was, consisting of about nine hun- 
dred wagons loaded with supplies for the army. Gen. Grant 
had meanwhile changed his base of supplies from White House 
to James river, leaving the wagon train of the Cavalry Corps at 
White House. 

The rebels, having the inside line, had also been marching 
upon White House, hoping to capture this train betore the arri- 
val of the Cavalry Corps, but in this hope they were doomed to 
disappointment. Our troops arrived a little in advance of the 
enemy, and on the 21st a sharp fight took place at White House, 
in which the First Brigade participated, which resulted in driving 
the enemy from the field, and the occupation of the ground by 
our victorious troops. 

Our trains were forwarded to the army at James river. On 
the second day's march. Gen. Gregg having command of the 
Second Division, was detached with his division to cover the 
right of the column. 

About six miles from the main column he met a very heavy 
force of the enemy's cavalry and infantry at a place called St. 
Mary's Church, when another sanguinary and hard fought battle 



262 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

took place, attended with severe loss. This occurred on the 
24th of June. 

The fighting on our side was conducted by a single division 
against the enemy's entire corps, our troops and horses being 
tired and worn out by the Gordonsville raid, as they had been 
allowed no rest whatever. 

In this battle Frederick again distinguished himself by his 
coolness and bravery, having been charged with important and 
perilous duties, and being exposed under such circumstances that 
his commanding General afterwards expressed his wonder that 
any mounted otficer could survive. He was charged with the 
order to bring off the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, and remained 
in the field until it had left. 

During this battle he rode within a very short distance of the 
enemy's skirmish line, and by discovering their presence, was 
able to prevent Gen. Gregg from mistaking them for our own 
troops, and possibly falling into their hands, as the dust by 
which all the troops were covered had already deceived him. 

During the months of July and August several severe skir- 
mishes and battles took place, in which his brigade and he par- 
ticipated, viz: At Ream's Station, on the 15th of July; at Malvern 
Hill, on the 28th of July; at Lee's Mills, July 31st; at Gravel 
Hill, on the 14th, 16th and 17th days of August, and again at 
Ream's Station on the 21st, 22d, 23d and 25th days of August. 

On one of these occasions, Gen. Davies being absent on sick 
leave, and the brigade under the command of Col. Steadman, 
Frederick had been ordered to the hospital on account of his 
health, and was being carried in an ambulance. Hearing the 
firinof of the ffuns, he left the ambulance and came to the nearest 
body of troops, wdiich proved to be the Tenth New York Cav- 
alry, and here took an active part in the battle, firing with his 
own hand, cheering the men, and exposing his person to the 
enemy's fire. His conduct excited the enthusiastic admiratiou 
of the men in the regiment, and aided in preparing them to give 
him the warm welcome, which he subsequently received from 
them, when he became the Lieutenant Colonel of that regiment. 
On 1)cing spoken to on the sul)ject, he remarked, that in the 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 263 

absence of the General he felt that a peculiar responsibility 
rested on the members of the staff; that he knew the eyes of the 
army were on the Second Brigade, which occupied an advanced 
position, and had acquired a tine reputation, and that he regarded 
his own honor as identilied with that of the l)rio:adc. 

The battle at Ream's Station, the latter part of August, was a 
sanguinary atfair, and Frederick was then brought alongside of 
his old regiment, the Seventh New York Artillery, I learn from 
Capt. O'Brien that Frederick volunteered to deliver an impor- 
tant message to the officer commanding a battery, which was done 
under a heavy fire. 

He never returned to the hospital, but his health was so much 
impaired that nothing liut his indomitable resolution enabled him 
to keep his saddle. In a letter to his father, dated August 31st, 
he alludes in terms of warm admiration to the conduct of the old 
Seventh at Ream's Station; naming several former comrades 
belonging to it who were killed, and others taken prisoners; 
mentions that the conduct of his own brigade had received much 
credit in Gen. ILvncock's official reports; remarks that there had 
been considerable fighting for the Weldon railroad, in nearly all 
of which he had the honor to participate, and thus alludes to his 
own health: 

" You can have no idea of the excessive fatigue to which we 
have been sul)jected this month, and especially for an A. A. G. 
I do not not want to take a sick leave unless I am actually 
obliged to, for it is not considered very honorable to leave the 
field upon the plea of sickness, when one is only about half sick. 
There are so many shoulder-strapped individuals that are hiding 
under the shadow of a surgeon's certificate, that I don't want to 
be ranked among that class." 

In a letter to his sister, dated September 3d, he says: 

" Since writing to father three days ago, we have marched 
nearly forty miles, and have had quite a hard fight — I fortunately 
escaped. We lost quite severely, and this morning we returned 
and camped in nearly the same place from which I wrote father. 
We cannot tell how long we will be allowed to remain quiet; 
indeed, since July 25th, we have not been forty-eight hours in 



264 LIEUT. COL. FREDEEICK L. TEEMAIN. 

one place, and as you may easily imagine, we have had but little 
time to write, w^hile the wear, tear and fatigue have been terrible. 
I have been so tired at times that I would go to sleep on horse- 
])ac'k. Only last night I was so much worn out that I laid down 
under a tree and went sound asleep while it was raining, and I 
had not a thing over me. I could not help it. 

" I write and tell you this, Nellie, so that you can have some 
slight idea of the reasons for my not writing you in answer to 
your letters promptly, and not because I am complaining at all. 

" When we do get a chance to stop anywhere, I have a great 
many written reports to make, and cannot neglect them, and after 
they are done, I am so tired that I generally try and go to sleep 
for a little while, and letter writing becomes next to an impossi- 
bility. I am not very well, but am on duty, and shall remain so 
as long as I am al)le. 

"I was very sorry to hear of G.'s sickness, and glad to learn 
he was getting better. He should congratulate himself that he 
was where he could be taken care of. Here, when one gets sick, 
he gets very little care, I assure you. They do the best they can, 
of course, but a tent and the ground make but an indifferent sick 
room and bed. 

" We have had some very hard fighting over this Weldon rail- 
road, and you can congratulate yourself that you still have a 
brother in the army. I have several times made up my mind 
that you would not have long, but I have been so far spared. I 
have not written you, Nellie, about anything else than myself, 
but I know that I am the one that you want to hear about, and 
so shall offer no excuse.'* 

Fkederick's duties as Assistant Adjutant General were con- 
genial to his tastes and adapted to his capacity, but yet they had 
been exceedingly arduous and laborious. He was chief of the 
brigade staH*. His labors during a march commenced early and 
continued late. He thus explains them in a condensed form, in 
answer to my inquiry on the subject: 

"To attend to all the details of a movement; in battle, to 
remain with the General, and if any orders are given, to give 
them to the aids for the regimental commanders, or Avhomsoever 



LIEUT. COL, FREDERICK L, TREMAIN. 265 

they may concern; to watch the lines, and whenever, in my opin- 
ion, an advantage can be gained, to show it to the General, if he 
has not already perceived it; and if the aids are all away on duty, 
and an important order is issued, to carry it myself, and see that 
it is obeyed; sometimes to push on one flank of the skirmish 
line while the General is pushing on another, and in every way 
to watch the effect of movements ordered; and, in fact, to l)e an 
assistant to the General (on the field an order from me is the 
same as one from him); and after a fight to camp the several 
regiments; to see, personally, that a proper picket line is thrown 
out; to make ofllcial reports of operations, and returns of killed, 
Avounded and missing, damage done, &c., &c." 

Upon receiving the letters of August 31st and September 3d, 
the author applied directly to the Secretary of War for a brief 
leave of absence, which, having been promptly granted, Fred- 
erick made a short but delightful visit to his home in September. 
Eecovering his health. and strength, he rejoined the army in time 
to participate in the battle of Davis Farm, on the Vaughn Road, 
on the 1st of October. 

For an account of his gallant bearing on that occasion, I refer 
to the letter from Major Thomas, who served on the same statf. 
A description of this brilliant aflair was given in the New York 
Herald. The first brigade were dismounted, and bravely resisted 
an attack by an enemy largely outnumbering them; and then, 
with a gallant charge, routed and drove them from the field. 

He also participated in the first battle of Hatcher's Run on the 
26tli of November, and in the movement in the latter part of 
November, by which General Gregg and his division advanced 
to Stony Creek, destroying the bridge and several pieces of 
artillery, capturing prisoners, and successfully accomplishing the 
object of the advance. 

On the 6th of December, orders were received for the cavalry 
to move at three o'clock the next morning with six days' rations. 
The movement was made when the weather was very cold, and 
on the 9th a severe engagement took place at Bellfield. Major 
Sarge^vnt, of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, was shot while 
riding by the side of Frederick during the fight — an event which 



266 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREISLAIN. 

produced a serious impression upon his mind. It is understood 
that the movement was eminently successful. 

A full account of this aflair was given in the Herald, written 
by its army correspondent. In the official report of the move- 
ment, Frederick had the honor of being mentioned as " having 
behaved with the greatest gallantry and zeal, and having contri- 
buted greatly to the success of the brigade by valuable service." 

The time was now approaching for severing his official connec- 
tion as Assistant Adjutant General with General Davies and his 
briijade staft' — a relation cemented by their common sufferings, 
perils, and glories. A vacancy had occurred in the Colonelcy 
of the Tenth New York Cavalry by the withdrawal from th;it 
position of Colonel Irvine, the present accomplished and patri- 
otic Adjutant General of New York. Lieutenant-Colonel Avery, 
being about to l)e promoted to fill the vacancy, tendered the posi- 
tion of Lieutenant-Colonel to Frederick. Colonel Avery had 
become well acquainted with Frederick while he was Assistant 
Adjutant General. General Irvine informs me that Gen. Gregg 
also advised the selection of Frederick, as it would be an acqui- 
sition to the regiment. 

Havinof ascertained that all the officers of the regiment were 
in favor of his appointment, he resolved to accept the position, 
and without delay commissions were issued by his Excellency 
Governor Sejanour for Colonel Avery and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Tremain, but a brief delay in mustering in became necessary, to 
enable the regiment to become recruited to the requisite number 
for mustering in the new officers. 

Frederick, having resigned the office of Assistant Adjutant 
General, seized the occasion to pay a holiday visit to his home. 
He arrived the evening before New Year's, and passed a few 
weeks there in a visit which will be cherished during life liy 
every member of the tamily, among their most treasured recol- 
lections. 

It was a suliject of general remark that he had become much 
matured by his experience in the army. While cheerful and 
hopeful, he Avas yet grave and thoughtful, and fully impressed 
with the duties and responsibilities of his position. 



LIEUT, COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 267 

He returned to the army full of high hopes and expectations. 
Fort Fisher had fallen; Thomas had achieved his great victory 
over Hood; Sherman was advancing in triumph, and he confi- 
dently believed that the end of the rebellion was at hand. 

On his return he met at Washington, in the Invalid Corps, an 
old comrade of the Seventh, and true to his nature, which led 
him to promote the welfare of others, he wrote a letter of intro- 
duction for him, invoking the author's kind offices in his behalf. 
This was the last letter I ever received from him directed to me, 
and I give it as a fair revelation of the kindness of his character. 

" My Dear Father — I have the honor to introduce to you 

Lieutenant , formerly of the Seventh New York Artillery, 

and now of the Invalid Corps. He was wounded in front of 
Petersburg in the famous charge of June Ifith, of the Seventh 
New York Artillery. The shell that struck him carried away the 
left eye, and exposed the brain slightly, so that he can hardly do 
night duty. He, therefore, wishes to be ordered on duty some- 
where in New York State, where he can still do dut;/, but, if 
possible, to some place where he can sleep at night, as the loss 
of sleep gives him terrible pains in the head on account of the 
exposure of the brain. 

"He is a gallant officer, and has won for himself a Lieutenancy 
from the ranks as a private, and deserves all the favors that loyal 
men are able to grant him. 

" If you in any way can assist him in the accomplishment of his 
object, you will only be rendering a gallant soldier what is justly 
due him. Your affectionate son, 

"F, L, TREMAIN, 
^'Lieutenant Colonel Tenth Jf. Y. Cavalry. 

'''■January 27, 1865." 

When he joined the Tenth, and had been mustered in as Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, he wrote a letter to his mother expressing his 
pleasure at his reception l)y his ucav regiment, and his gratifica- 
tion in being put in charge of an officer's school for instruction 
in military tactics, which letter came to hand on the day he 



2(38 LIEUT. COL. FKEDEEICK L. TREMAIN. 

received his fatal wound. I learn that his home and his pleasant 
visit were the theme of his constant conversation among his inti- 
mate friends. He was kind and affectionate in his nature, and 
was devotedly attached to every meml^er of his father's family. 
" Sir," said his tent mate to the author, "I felt well acquainted 
with every member of your family, from Fred's description and 
frequent conversation." 

On the 7th of February, while eno;aged in court, I received 
from Maj. Pease the following telegram: ''February 6. — Feed 
was seriously wounded to-day. It is thought not dangerously." 

The next train carried from Albany, on their way to him, his 
mother. Dr. Pomfret (who cheerfully consented to go, although 
he was home on leave), and the author. We arrived in Wash- 
ington the next evening, and immediately, through the War 
Department, opened a telegraphic counnunication with Gen. 
Meade's head-quarters. The first ansAver was encouraging, but, 
alas ! the next broujjht the fatal intellio-ence that Lieut. Col. Tre- 
MAIN died the same evening (the 8th) at City Point Hospital, that 
his remains would be embalmed and forwarded north immedi- 
ately. 

Here let me draw a veil over what follows. The agony of 
spirit, the bewildering effects of such a sudden and unexpected 
blow, the crushing out of hopes, the bitterness of disappoint- 
ment, the terrible reflection that we should never see him alive, 
the extinguishment of light, and the darkness and clouds that 
intervened, can be known or appreciated only by those doting 
parents, who have passed tlirough a simihir furnace of affliction. 

The circumstances attending his death may be soon related. 
The movement which resulted in the battle of Hatcher's Run was 
a general advance of the whole division on the morning of Feb- 
ruary 5th, pursuant to orders. They were on the march all that 
day, and early tlie next morning, while the brigade were pre- 
paring for breakfast, the enemy broke in upon them, and a battle 
ensued, which continued all day. 

About two p. M., Avhile near Dabney's Mills, Frederick was 
leading his troops on the extreme left, in the skirmish line, and 
was al)0ut to make a charge, the cavalry being dismounted, when, 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAEST. 269 

Gen. Davies having been wounded, Col. Avery Avas called to 
command the brigade, and had sent a mounted oiBeer to notify 
Frederick that the command of the regiment had devolved upon 
him. While Frederick had turned around partly, and was con- 
versing with the messenger, he received the fatal wound from a 
Minnie ball in his hip. 

He left the field, accompanied b}^ two men, meeting on his 
way Col. Avery, who describes him as looking pale, and having 
a smile on his face. In the ambulance he was overtaken l)y his 
colored servant, and said to him, cheerfully, that they would 
soon visit A11)any again. He also, at the same moment, recog- 
nized his cousin, Maj. H. E. Tremain, of Gen. Gregg's staff. 
Avhile he was riding by with an important order from the Gene- 
ral for reinforcements, hailed him, remarking that he was hit, 
perhaps seriously, Ijut he thought not dangerously, and then 
urged him to go on in the performance of his duty. 

He walked into the field hospital, where General Davies met 
him, placed him upon a bed in a room by himself, and gave him 
some stimulants. The surceons extracted the ball that evening:, 
and pronounced it troublesome only, but not dangerous. He 
was visited there by Major Pease, INIajor Tremalst and others, 
who, relying on the Surgeon's report, left him without serious 
apprehensions. The next day he was sent to City Point Hos- 
pital, fifteen or tAventy miles, where he arrived, cold and ex- 
hausted, attended by his servant. 

He was in much pain and not inclined to converse. The fol- 
loAving day, the 8th, alarming symjitoms appeared. He continued 
perfectly conscious, made his arrangements to leave for home, 
but was not made aware of the fact that his life was in danger, 
and about five o'clock, just as his servant had given him some 
water, he died, without a mm'mur or complaint having escaped 
his lips. 

A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that the wound 
was necessarily mortal from the first. The l)all, after performing 
its course, had fallen back, and its location had deceived the 
surgeons who extracted it, and Avho supposed it merely a flesh 
wound. 



270 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

The intelligence of his death spread a deep gloom over his 
entire brigade, officers and men. A meeting of the brigade 
officers (a rare compliment in the army) was called and attended 
by every officer not absent on dnty, at which just and excellent 
resolutions were adopted. 

The remains were accompanied from City Point by Colonel 
Avery, Major Tremain and Dr. Clark. His countenance ap- 
peared natural and life-like. 

A military funeral took place on the 16th of February, with 
honors suitable to his rank, under the charge of the Tenth New 
York, commanded by Colonel Chamberlain, the Cadet Zouave 
Company A acting as an escort. Everything that aifectionate 
sympathy could do to render honor to his memory, was done by 
his countrymen and countrywomen. Flowers were sent in 
l)ountiful profusion from numerous male and female friends, and 
these were, by fair and tasteful hands, beautifully arranged in 
the form of crosses, wreaths, a trumpet and crown, while the 
coffin was festooned, and covered with them in tropical abun- 
dance. 

After appropriate religious services had been performed at 
the author's residence, the public funeral took place at St. Peter's 
Church, the Rev. Wm. Wilson and the Rev. Wm. Tatlock officia- 
ting. Plis Excellency, Gov. Fenton, accompanied by his stalf in 
full uniform, honored the funeral with his presence. The names 
of the military and civil bearers who attended will be recog- 
nized as among the noblest youth in Albany. Sweet and solemn 
music by the choir tilled the church. The citizens of Albany 
turned out en tnasse, filling the spacious church and the streets, 
for long distances. A large concourse followed the remains to 
the cemetery, where, after the soldiers had fired appropriate vol- 
leys over his coffin, it was consigned to the vault. 

Thus lived and died my brave boy, around whom, for twenty- 
one years, had clustered my cares, my anxieties, my hopes and 
my aftections! 

No longer could we look forward Avith inexpressible joy to the 
termination of this war, as an event which would bring back, in 
safety and honor, the soldier we had furnished! The sound of 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 271 

carl)iiies and artillery can no more reach him! Henceforth, we 
mnst be content to gaze on yonder mute memorials, his belt 
and sash, his spnrs and sword, and other precious relics, and to 
feed on the memory of his virtues, his patriotism, and the noble 
record he achieved! lie died young; but how many of ns who 
survive have done more for our countiyand for humanity than he! 

My work is ended. I l)elieve this little history to be Avholly 
free from coloring, but if parental fondness has deceived me in 
this belief, the otience, I am sure, is pardonable. 

And now, may Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, grant 
that this great sacritice, although not " now joyous but grievous 
may work out the peaceable fruits of righteousness," — that the 
blood of this 3^oung martyr may aid in infusing fresh life into 
our free institutions; — that this rebellion may be so completely 
crushed, that in all future time, no second attempt will be made 
by wicked men to destroy our Union by treasonable force; — and 
may He hasten the day when our National Unity shall become 
established on immutable and eternal foundations. 

Omitting numerous letters from private citizens full of kind 
and feeling tributes, I select a few written by military officers 
whose position, as military men, brought them into close and 
intimate relations with the deceased. 

War Department, February 10, 1865. 

My dear Sir — I am unable to tell how deeply my heart sym- 
pathizes Avith you and Mrs. Tremain in the great calamity that 
has fallen upon you in the death of your son. That he has fallen 
upon the field of battle, fighting gallantly for his country, and 
given his life as a sacrifice for national existence, may hereafter 
be some consolation when time has embalmed his memory, and 
assuaged the present agony of l)ereavement. I pray you, my 
dear friend, accept the assurance of my commiseration, and I 
trust that you will find support and comfort from that Divine 
Providence, that has called your gallant son from the field of 
battle to a haven of rest. Yours trul^^, 

Hon. L. Tremain. EDWIX M. STANTOX. 



272 lieut. col. frederick l. tremain. 

Head Quarters 2d Cavalry Division, ) 
Army of Potomac, March 1, 1865. ^ 

Hon. Lyman Tremain: 

My dear Sir — I take the first opportiiiii tj of being able to use 
my pen, to express to you my sincere sympathy, on the great loss 
you have sustained in the deatli of your gallant son, Lieut. Col. 
Tremain. 

I know that I can say nothing that will alleviate the suffering 
caused by a blow such as that you have sustained, but while you 
mourn his loss it will be at least some consolation to know that 
he fell fighting for the good cause, and that his name will be ever 
remembered among those of the gallant men who have given up 
all, even to life itself, for the honor and safety of the country. As 
a brave and gallant ofiicer, one who already in his extreme youth 
had won high military honors, and had before him a brilliant 
career of hope and promise, his early death is deeply and sin- 
cerely regretted by all his fellow ofiicers, and by none more than 
myself. For a long period he had served upon my staif, and had 
always deserved and obtained high praise for his knowledge of 
duty, his cheerfulness and untiring assiduity, and the conspicuous 
gallantry he had displayed upon every battle field. When he 
was promoted to a higher position I regretted much that out 
intimate personal relations should be disturbed, but I was well 
aware of his high deserving, and knew that his promotion was 
l)ut a just recognition of his many good qualities. 

During the short period he served with his regiment, he had 
deserved the highest praise, and I looked upon his future ad- 
vancement as secure, and saw that, if his life should be spared, 
he had within his reach, the highest honors of the profession 
of arms. 

This, however, was not to be, and on the 6th of Februaiy, 
while leading his regiment Avith gallantry and judgment sur- 
passed by none, he fell l)efore the fate that has already cut off so 
many of our l)est and l)ravest men. 

While we mourn his loss, we must remember that his death 
was as glorious as his life had been distinguished. 

In the vicissitudes of war, should it be my fate to fall, I could 



LIEUT. COL, FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 273 

ask no death more distinguisliecl than his; to fall at the crowning 
point of a success to Avhich his gallantry and good conduct had 
greatly assisted, and to know that his farewell from earth and 
welcome above would be the same — " Wall done, thou good and 
faithful servant." 

With the most sincere regards, and the assurance of my heart- 
felt sympathy in your affliction, believe me. 

Very truly yours, H. E. DAVIES, Jr., Brig. Gen. 

Headquarters Tenth New York Cavalry, \ 
Before Petersburg, Va., March 11, 1865. ) 

My dear Sir — Although more than a month has elapsed since 
the battle of Hatcher's Run, the last engagement in which your 
son, our gallant associate, participated, and in which his young 
life was laid upon the altar of his country, we, his comrades, are 
but the more frequently reminded of the vacant place in our little 
circle. Though his connection with the regiment had been recent, 
yet, as Assistant Adjutant General of the brigade, we had met 
him in social intercourse, and also marked his conspicuous bravery 
on the field. From the highest to the lowest he received an ear- 
nest welcome — not as a stranger, but as one who had been iden- 
tified with us, of whose name and fame we were proud, and 
whose reputation was hereafter to belong more exclusively to us 
as a regiment. His honorable and unselfish ambition was partic- 
nlarly gratified, that his promotion had been eftected without det- 
riment to the individual interests of any of our officers, and which 
was enhanced by his previous refusal of a proffered appointment, 
which, if accepted, would have supplanted a competent and de- 
serving; officer. 

H(! came among us with an earnest intention to contribute the 
whole of his ability and energy, towards improving the morale 
and efflK'tiveness of the organization with which he had become 
identified. At times I could not refrain from smiling, at the very 
earnest manner in which he endeavored to impress upon me the 
fact of his being young — accustomed to ha1)its of study and appli- 
cation; his expressions of desire to share in the responsibility of 

18 



274 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

command, and that it would be but necessary to merely indicate 
any duty, which it were desirable that he should execute. 

A few days before the movement a system of evening recita- 
tions of the officers in Tactics and the Regulations had been insti- 
tuted under his charge. To this he devoted himself in the same 
earnest and conscientious maimer in which he performed every 
task. Among other lessons was that of acquiring a new manual 
for the carbine, just introduced into the division. In this, to 
the surprise of all, he became remarkal)ly proficient after a few 
hours' practice — his previous experience as executive officer of 
the brigade havins; led me to imaoine that he would be found 
wanting in the practice necessary to an expert manipulation of 
the piece; but to this, as all other duties of his profession, he 
had devoted a pains-taking attention. 

There was no trait of Lieutenant Colonel Tremain's military 
character more prominent than an earnest purpose to contribute 
liis every effort towards the success of our cause, and which was 
evinced on trifling occasions as well as in the crisis of an engage- 
ment. On the morning of our first day's march, after a sleepless 
night, owing to the l^ad condition of the roads, wagons and ambu- 
lances Avere continually ])eing mired, thus delaying the column. 
Although not under his charge, he laljored assiduously in the 
mad and water, and when extricated made sport of the plight in 
which he found himself, with the consoling remark : " That he 
had earned his pay for that day at least." 

We were preparing our breakfast on the morning of the 6th, 
when the engagement suddenly opened — he immediately prefer- 
ring the request to be allowed the post of danger in command 
of the skirmish line. Knowing his thoughts, I requested him 
not to unnecessarily expose himself, with the reminder : " That 
the Tenth had too often seen him imder fire, to require needless 
evidence of his bravery, in this, his first battle as their Lieutenant 
Colonel." Our regiment, at first held in reserve, was afterward 
moved forward upon the line, soon after which, owing to the 
wound received by General Davies, I was notified that the com- 
mand of the bi'igade luid fallen to myself. I then dispatched a 
staff" officer to apprise Colonel Trem.un of his being in command 



LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 275 

of the regiment, and while receiving the message he was struck 
hy a Minnie l)all, and a moment afterward passed me, supported l)y 
two men. I shall never forget the pale face, but cheery voice wdiich 
replied to my anxious inquiry regarding his injury : " That it felt 
rather deep, and that the blood was running down into his boots." 

I could not then realize, that it was the last time in life, that I 
was to look upon the face of one who had become near and dear 
to me, and whose irreparable loss was henceforth to be mourned 
by an entire regiment. 

We should be only too happy to contribute in any way to 
assuage your deep grief, but in such affliction words are very, 
very empty; and in enumerating the noble, manly characteristics 
of the lost one, and while we look forward to the future, we are 
but reminded of its brilliant prospect, had he been but spared 
for its development. Yours, with sincere sympathy, 

M. H. AVERY, Col. Tenth iV". Y. Cavalry. 

Hon. LyMxVN Tremain, Albany, N. Y. 

LINES ON TIIE DEATH OF LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 

BY ALFRED B. STREET. 

Song for the young and brave ! 
A pean for his bright though brief career ! 

But a low dirge above his warrior grave, 
The sudden closing to his opening year. 
Grief twines with glory. While his morn was red 
His Alma Mater's bowers all greenly spread 
Joy in his heart, fair fortune at his side, 
Home with its joys and friends that loved with pride, 
He turned from all to stem the battle tide 
For his loved land, and for that land he died. 
Amid the roaring rain of musketry, 

And thunder-shock of volleys, the keen play 
Of bayonet-lightning, his slight form we see 

Full in the front, and where death's awful way 
"Was wildest ! Woe that he should perish there 

In his fresh strength while sweeping upward road 
With his good sword, to where Fame, bright and rare 
For one so young, stood holding high in air 

The laurel wreath. In strife how fiercely glowed 
His heart ! in rest how full of love and mirth ! 
Blue shone the sky. and flowery smiled the earth, 

For toward all human kind his heart in gladness flowed. 



276 LIEUT, COL. FREDERICK L, TREMAIN. 

The saddle was his throne, and he a king 

When the tierce squadron dashed in thundering might 
A cataract of swords and shots — a wing 

Of rushing Havoc — a quick cleaving flight 
Of deadly levin ! Lo, a glorious raid ! 

And the galloping steeds and the rush and the clang 
Of the ride over mountain, through forest and glade 

And the keen thrilling peals of the trumpet ! How sprang 
The hamlet in terror while on came the burst 
Of the troopers and cheering and flame told the worst. 
As they swept up the harvest and dashed down the wall 
And, laden with spoil, skimmed away one and all 
While the night rang with clash and deep thunder of bound 
And flushed wide with torch-flame, and day heard the sound 
From field and from village of wailing and wrath 
And the foe sought in vain to block Sheridan's path. 
And mid them our eager young hero ! no toil 
Too great for his striving ; no battle-turmoil 
Too fierce for his daring ; no duty undone 
Till the goal of the striving and daring was won. 

Oh, long lament for him, the youthful dead ! 

The bravest of the brave ! most kind and true ! 
The blossom scarce to perfect life had spread. 

The sun had scarcely climbed the morning blue. 
And yet so firm he looked at coming death 
With eye so dauntless, such untrembling breath 
It seemed a mark of scorn. The bullet sped, 
And hours rolled onward, while with creeping tread, 
The shadowy foe approaclied ; and when the dart 
Was reared to reach his young, warm, generous heart. 
With tenderest love of friends upon his lips 
He entered, undismayed, life's dread and dark eclipse. 

Song for the young and brave ! 
Long as the land shall live he died to save 
Shall honor cast fresh wreaths upon his grave. 
Not lost his bright career ; it shines a light 
To kindle other hearts with patriot might. 
And when strife calls again, a beacon to the fight. 

And not alone home's fractured altar shows 
A shrouded radiance, a great nation knows 
Her darkened orbs, and keeps them in her heart 
And when the frowning clouds of War depart 
Her grateful love will kindle them anew 
And constellate their rays forever in her view 



LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD. 277 



XV. 

LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD. 

Michael B. Stafford was the son of Richard and Alice 
Stafford, who emigrated from the connty of Wexford, Irehind, 
and came to Albany, N. Y., in the year 1822. Here Michael 
was born on the 29th day of December, 1827. His father was a 
shoemaker, and has resided in Alliany since 1822, where he has 
held the office of alderman, and been mnch respected for his 
integrity and worth as a citizen. He gave his son Michael a 
good business education, such as his limited means would allow, 
and sent him to learn the trade of a mason, at the age of sixteen 
years, with Adam Todd, late of All)any. 

At the age of twenty-one, Michael left Mr. Todd, having 
acquired a thorough knowledge of his chosen trade, and about 
the year 1851 went to Corning, N. Y., where he commenced 
business on his own account as a builder. He followed that 
business till 1860, when he returned to Albany. He erected 
many of the best buildings in the village of Corning, and was 
regarded as a first class builder. He was prompt and upright in 
all his dealings, but had not been successful in amassing any 
considerable property, having met with some heavy losses in 
business. 

In his early manhood at Albany, he was a member of the 
Albany- Emmet Guards, and took great interest in that organiza- 
tion, and was a good soldier. He was also Foreman of one of 
the Albany fire companies. 

When at Corning, he was chosen Captain of the Emmet Guards 
of that place, one of the finest and best drilled militia comjDanies 
in the State. After holding that position for several years, he 
resigned, and was soon after selected as Major of the Sixtieth 
Rogiment N. Y. Militia. This position he afterwards resigned. 



278 LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD. 

On tne breaking out of the war he was residing in Albany, 
and when the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. Militia (Col. Bryan) 
was ordered, on the 21st of April, 1861, to hasten to the defence 
of the National Capital, he joined as a private in the ranks to 
serve his.country, leaving his young wife and four little children. 
He served his term of three months with this regiment faith- 
fully, and, upon his return to All)any, was soon after appointed 
to a Lieutenancy in the Eighty-sixth Eegiment N. Y. Volunteers, 
which was raised for three years or the Avar. His regiment was 
mostly recruited in Steuben county, where he had formerly 
resided. 

He passed with his regiment through the Peninsular campaign, 
under Gen. McClellax, and fought in most of the important 
battles in Virginia during the year 1802. At the l)attle of Chan- 
cellorsville he was Adjutant of the regiment, and was severely 
wounded, and compelled to lie in the hospital for several months. 
Upon his recovery, he again joined his command, and was at 
once promoted to the rank of Major. He was in all the l)attles 
under Grant, from the llapidan to Petersburg, and was several 
times slightly wounded. His regiment belonged to Hancock's 
immortal Second Corps. He had his horse shot under him in 
the bloody battle of the Wilderness. 

On the 29th of November, 1864, while his regiment laid in 
front of Peters! )urg, Va., and the enemy were throwing shells 
which fell in his camp, he stepped out of his tent to give some 
orders (he then being the Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, 
the commanding officer, the Colonel, having resigned), and was 
struck with a piece of shell, which took off his hand, and cut a 
fearful and mortal wound in his side. From this wound he died 
in his tent, on the lirst day of December, after the most intense 
suffering. Upon being informed by the Surgeon that his wound 
was mortal, he called his officers and men around him, and bade 
them stand ])y the flag of their country till victory should, as it 
certainly would, crown their efforts. Then he l)id them, each 
and all, farewell. 

The following letter he dictated to his wife and children in his 
last moments: 



LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD. 279 

" Dear wife — I put you in the trust of God Almighty, for my 
time has come. I have served my country as a man, and am 
willing to die. 

"Bring up my children in the fear of God, and sacrifice every 
one for his country, if necessary. Tell my old father and 
mother that I died as their son should die, with his head up and 
his face to the enemy. 

Yours, &c., MICHAEL B. STAFFORD. 

Then, having received the last consolations of his religion, 
according to the rites of the Catholic church, his spirit went to 
God, in whose mercy he confidently trusted. 

He left to mourn his loss his wife, Eliza Carroll, to whom 
he was married in 1854, and five children. The youngest of the 
children was but four weeks old at the time of his death. 

His patriotic services rendered to his country, and the sacrifice 
of all the endearments of a loving family and life itself, are suf- 
ficient to transmit his name and reputation to the future, and to 
commend his beloved widow and fatherless children to the sym- 
pathies of a grateful people. 



280 MAJ. CHARLES E. TRUYN. 



XVI. 
MAJOR CHARLES ELISHA PRUYN. 

Charles Elisha Pruyn was born in the city of Albany, Nov. 
11th, 1840. He was the son of Col. Samuel Pruyn, a gentleman 
of superior intelligence and worth, and a descendant of one of 
the oldest and best Holland families in the city. On his mother's 
side, he claimed with just pride, descent from the Puritan family 
of PuTNA]\i, among whom was Gen. Israel Putnam. From the 
ancestors of both his parents he inherited the noblest qualities. 
To the firm and persevering characteristics of the Dutch, were 
united the energy, quickness and industry of the New England 
stock. To all these were added the unyielding integrity, the 
pure patriotism, and the high toned religious sentiments peculiar 
to both races. 

His boyhood was passed amid the quiet and happy scenes of 
home, and was in no wise remarkable; though every careful 
observer could have detected qualities in the youth, that gave 
promise of a noble and useful manhood. 

From his earliest childhood he was distinguished for strict 
regard for truth, and his detestation of everything mean or dis- 
honorable. If he discovered such traits in his playmates or 
associates, he was disposed at once to discard them. 

He was educated at the Albany Academy, and while he had a 
quick apprehension and retentive memory, and made fair pro- 
gress in all his studies, he excelled in elocution and mathe- 
matics. He was very amliitious for a higher and more complete 
education, and it was a great sacrifice to him to relinquish his 
liopes in this respect, and at the early age of sixteen devote him- 
self to business. He entered, at that time, one of the city banks 
as clerk, l)ut the disappointment of his expectations in regard to 



MA J. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 281 

his studies did not affect his outward conduct, or malce him 
indiflcrent to the duties of his position. He gave himself to 
them with conscientious energy and perseverance, and, probably, 
not one of those who daily mingled with him, was aware of the 
struggle going on, in that young heart, between duty and incli- 
nation. Perhaps the discipline was just what he required, for it 
was evident that his character, about this period, became greatly 
strengthened, and his parents were often gratified by the testi- 
monials of his employers' approliation, in regard to his capacity, 
fidelity and morality. The knowledge of business he thus 
acquired was very useful to him, and he realized and confessed 
the advantage of it afterwards. 

In the army he was often banker and cashier of the regiment, 
and, being prudent and judicious in the use of money himself, he 
was very often the creditor of others, especially among the men 
who had families at home, and were grateful for the loan of a 
small sum of money. The kindness he showed in this respect 
was highly appreciated, and won for him the deepest gratitude. 
That he did not lose his regard for learning, by his business 
engagements, appears in the fact, that of almost the first money 
he received after he entered the army, he gave one hundred dol- 
lars, towards the endowment of Rutger's College, expressing his 
gratification that although he had never enjoyed the privilege 
of a college education himself he could assist others. 

He united with the Middle Dutch Church of Albany, when he 
was fifteen years old, and was, successively, a scholar, teacher 
and officer in the Sabbath School. 

Though surrounded by many temptations, he so maintained 
his Christian character that several gentlemen felt it a privilege 
to have their sons associate with him. One gentleman, who had 
the best opportunity to know the purity of his character, made 
every effort to bring his own son, who was disposed to l)e very 
Avild and careless, under his influence, hoping it Avould have a 
tendenc}^ to check him in his evil course. Charlie's mother, 
who greatly feared his contamination, plainl}-^ told the gentle- 
man her apprehensions. He replied: "You may rest assured 
your fears for Charlie are groundless; he will never come down 



282 MAJ. CHARLES E. TRUYN. 

to anytliiiig vicious; his morals are impregnable, and I feel sure 
his course will always be to draw others up to his level." 

His pnritij of mind w^as remarkable. His young companions 
felt the power of this, and his presence was always a check upon 
an}' indulgence of impurity. Probably to this, more than any- 
thing else, next to the grace of God, was he indebted for his 
preser\'ation from the corruptions of the army. Nothing in his 
character is more worthy of imitation by the young men wdio 
read this sketch; nothing will so effectually furnish them for the 
temptations of life as to be like him, " pure in heart." 

Not long, however, was he permitted to enjoy his pleasant 
home and the peaceful pursuits of life. The trumpet of war 
sounded through this once happ}' land; the hand of the parricide 
was lifted against the bosom that had fostered it, and every pulse 
of his ardent nature beat with the most intense emotion. 

When the news of the fall of Sumter Avas received, his face 
glowed with shame and indignation. He seemed to feel it a 
personal insult, and for many days he was too excited to eat or 
sleep. His first impulse was to enlist as a private at once, but 
his parents, though fully sympathizing with his patriotic spirit, 
were slower to feel that he was called to such a sacrifice. They 
counseled deliberation and prudence. They felt that his qualifi- 
cations entitled him to a position of greater influence, and they 
hoped the terrible storm would soon be over, and then there 
would be no demand for his services. 

He respected and yielded to the wishes of his parents, but it 
was evident he chafed under the restraint. His mother, w^ho 
knew the decision depended mainly upon her washes, and wdio 
was watching him with intense and prayerful anxiety, at last 
came to the conclusion that it was her duty to give her consent. 

Hearing him restlessly pacing the floor one night, after mid- 
night, she w^ent up to his room and said: " Charlie, my dear 
son, wdiy are you so excited?" He answered: "Mother, how 
can I help it; how can I remain here at home, and sleep quietly 
in my bed, when the country is in such a state? Why, mother, 
I don't want to go into the street any more; I am ashamed to 
look people in the face; a strong, healthy fellow like me, staying 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 283 

at home and enjoying all these comforts when the country is in 
clanger, and needs my services." 

His mother then told him, that God had made her feel that it 
wa,s his duty to go, and that his parents had no right to interpose 
obstacles in the way. She engaged to obtain his father's consent, 
only stipulating that he should tirst endeavor to procure a com- 
mission; but if he failed to do so in a reasonable time, she would 
not object to his going as a private. 

The change immediately produced by this conversation was 
wonderful. He expressed the greatest delight and gratitude, and 
at once set himself to work to obtain a commission in some rejri- 
ment already in the fiekL He went to Washington with letters 
of the highest recommendation to the War Department, and he 
received the promise of a speedy appointment. He returned 
home and waited with the greatest impatience, and learned then 
for the tirst time, how little reliance could often be placed upon 
the promises, or assistance of strangers. He linally decided to 
accept an appointment in a regiment then organizing at Platts- 
burgh. He was commissioned as First Lieutenant, Company A, 
Ninety-sixth Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers, Col. Faikmax, 
October 17, 1861. The regiment did not go into the field till the 
spring of 18(52, when it entered upon the Peninsular Campaign, 
under Gen. McClellan. But the time was not lost. He was 
ambitious to excel in everything he undertook, and spent every 
moment not necessarily otherwise occupied, in the study of 
military tactics. The same earnestness and enthusiasm which 
had always characterized him, now stimulated him to make him- 
self thoroughly competent to fill any position. Every book that 
could be bought, every device that could be employed — such as 
miniature armies, &c., were brought into requisition to perfect 
his education. How well he succeeded, his after experience 
proved. 

That he deeply felt his absence from home and his exposure to 
temptations; that his army life was a duty he conscientiously 
endured, and not a pleasure ministering to a roving and excitable 
temperament, his letters fully proved. Very few young men had 
such strong home attachments. Very few enjoyed more intensely 



284 MAJ. CHAKLES E. PRUYN. 

the comforts, refinements and literary advantages of city life than 
he did, and yet in all those scores of letters, not one expression 
of reijret is found; and when his privations and sufferings were 
mentioned, it was alwaj^s with some modification, and gratitude 
for what blessings he had. 

He was a very interesting and voluminous correspondent, and 
his letters were the delight of the home circle. Always happy, 
too, in the reception of \ettei'sfrom home, he seemed anxious to 
do all he could to make up for his absence from those who loved 
him so well, by giving them the most of the time he could com- 
mand. A few of his letters will perhaps be interesting to the 
reader. They will, 1)etter than any words of ours, reveal his 
true character; his intelligence, his affectionate love for his 
friends, and warm devotion to his mother. 

He participated in the skirmishes of James river April 23, 
1862, and of Bottom's Bridge, Va., May 20th, and in the battle 
of Williamsl)urg, May 5th, an account of which he gives in the 
followiu"' letter : 

Four Miles from West Point, May 12, 1862. 

Dear Mother — I wrote you a few lines last night, liut it was so 
dark that I fear I did not write plain enough for you to read. I 
will try now to Avrite a more detailed account of our doings. A 
week ago Saturday, just as we were getting ready for inspection, 
orders came for us to fall in and march. As we were only about 
half a mile from the enemy's fortifications, which were concealed 
from us by a narrow belt of woods, we supposed we were going 
to attack them, and therefore left oiu' knapsacks behind. We 
halted just ))efore we cleared the woods, and there heard that 
the rebels had retreated, and we were to follow them up. After 
leaving the woods, we entered into the enemy's works. We 
traveled all day long:, and at nis'ht rested on the ground. 

The next morning (Monday), Ave started again, and traveled 
very fast, hearing the sound of cannon all the time. Aliout three 
p. M., turning a sharp angle in the road, we found ourselves in a 
large field where inunense bodies of troops Avere draAvn up in 
line of l)attk'; and, advancing, Ave formed (juickly into line. 



MAJ. CIIAELES E. TRUYN. 285 

Immediately an officer rode up, and told us to load as fast as 
possible, the bomb-shells and shot at the same time whistling 
over and around us. I saw one shell burst and kill three men in 
the reffiment rijiht at the side of us. We were then ordered to 
advance on the double-quick, and support a battery of the Eighth 
United States Regular Artillery. This was a position of import- 
ance, and consequently of honor. I have been told that we were 
assigned this position by Gen. Sumner (avIio commanded, Gen. 
McClellan not being present, though he came up soon after), 
because we were so cool when forming and advancing into line 
of battle. We stood in this position the rest of the day, the shot 
and shell flying around us like hail; yet, very singularly, none 
of us were hurt. It rained hard all day, and we were wet through 
to the skin, cold and shivering. When we advanced, we threw 
off everything — such as blankets, haversacks, &c., and we had 
nothing at all to cover us, and nothing to eat. Just as it was 
growing dark, we heard that our forces had completely defeated 
the enemy, though our left had been terribly cut to pieces (we 
were on the right); that Banks hatl taken Richmond, and that 
the rebel army was flying in every direction. Cheer upon cheer 
went up on that battle-held from thousands of throats. But now 
came the hardest time for us. Tired, wet through, hungry, and 
cold, we were forced to lie down, as we were, in the mud, with- 
out any covering, and no fires. This was the worst night I ever 
passed in my life, and I do fervently hope I shall never be called 
to o;o throuo:h another like it. 

The next day the sun came out warm and pleasant. As we 
did not march until afternoon, I had an opportunity to see a part 
of the battle-field. What I saw I cannot attempt to describe, 
but never, ?ieyer shall I forget it. I thought, what a horrible 
thing is war ! And as I saw men lying dead, torn into all imagin- 
able shapes l)y cannon and grape-shot, I thought of the homes 
made desolate, and the hearts that would bleed, and the many 
who would remember this day when they were made widows and 
orphans, with sorrow as long as they lived. And I thanked 
God most fervently that my poor life was si)arcd, and that in 
His great goodness He had not uermitted me even to be wounded. 



286 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

Wo marched on after the eiiemj^, for the whole army was imme- 
diately set in motion to pnrsue and cnt them off; but we only 
went about six miles, when we encamped for the night in a most 
h)vely spot, although it was right among the abandoned forts of 
the enemy. 

On Wednesday we joined the division, and continued on our 
march until Ave reached Williamsburg; there all but our brigade 
stopped, Init we continued on. Williamsburg is quite a large 
place, and is beautifully situated. Now it is almost entirely 
deserted by its inhabitants; half the houses are occupied by our 
troops, and over a great many the red flag floats, denoting hos- 
pital quarters. The reliels must have had a vast number wounded, 
which their hasty flight compelled them to leave behind, so they 
are now prisoners of war in our hands. Not only is Williams- 
burg full of wounded rebels, l)ut as we pass along the road, at 
almost every barn, the hospital flag is hung out. 

Our brigade was thrown in advance, after leaving Williams- 
burg, and as we were the flrst Union troops that had passed that 
way, it was necessary to be very careful. So our company was 
detached and })laced in front, to act as an advance guard, to scour 
the woods, &c., which gave me a grand chance to see the coun- 
try just as the rebels had left it. All along the road Avere strewn 
clothing of every description, camp furniture, guns and ammuni- 
tion, and occasionally a gun Avith the Avheel broken, and caisson 
dismounted, thus shoAving that the "chivalrous southerners" had 
fled raUier precipitously. 

Towards night, Ave halted at a farmhouse by the road. Tavo 
other regiments of infantry (l)esides our brigade), two batteries 
of artillery and a squadron of cavaliy soon came up, giving us a 
force of betAveen six thousand and seven thousand. We killed 
some cattle, built fires (which, however, Ave had to extinguish at 
dark), cooked our food and slept. We remained at this place all 
day Thursday. The reason for our not marching on I do not 
know, but I think Gen. Keirn did not feel safe in adA'ancing 
further into the enemy's country Avithout reinforcements. Indeed, 
our ])ositi()n was one Avhich demanded great caution, for Ave were 
far from the main army, and only seven thousand strong, Avhile 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 287 

tlie enemy luid been thirty tliousand strong only a few hours Ijefore, 
and were probably near by. Besides all this, we had no provi- 
sions. 

Friday, about noon, the remainder of our division came and 
joined us, when we started and marched on a fcAv miles. Night 
coming on, we all turned into a field of wdieat, or rather a wheat 
field, and halted for our night's rest. 

Here we were joined by the v/hole gi'and Army of the Poto- 
mac, and also by Gen. McClellan, in propria ijersona. On Satur- 
day A. M., we started. The army commenced moving at four 
o'clock A. M., and yet we did not leave till nine o'clock, and we 
are about in the centre, so vast is this immense army. On the 
top of a high hill, I had a chance, as avc halted a few moments, 
to look around, and on either side, as far as my eye could reach, 
stretched this enormous column of men. It was a magnificent 
sight. We traveled all day, and at night stopped about four 
miles from West Point, where we now are. Gen. McClellan's 
head-quarters are just across the road from our encampment. 

Late at night. Ave got some crackers, dry, tasteless flour and 
water, things made, as is stated on the box cover, October, 1861; 
and yet Jtoio good they were, l)etter than the nicest pastry I ever 
tasted. Anything is good to starving men. 

Sunday it was given out that we w^ould not move, so we rested 
ourselves after this hard week's w^ork. We had su^ar and cotfee 
Sunday morning, and by great management on my part, I got a 
few, dirty, nasty ginger cakes, such as in Albany I would not 
think it possible to touch. 

I attended divine service in an adjoining regiment, and it was 
to me a rich treat. I rejoiced once more to hear the word of 
God read and expounded. We expected to leave here this a. 
jM., but have, as yet, heard nothing of it, 

I feel l)adly just now, for the mail has come in, and I have no 
letter from home. If you only could knoAv hoAV I miss your let- 
ters, and hoAv happy it makes me Avhen I get them, I am sure 
you would write very often, and ask the rest to do so too. And 
yet I Allow it is not your fault. There must be some mistake in 
the mail, for I am sure you love me too well to neglect me; but 



288 MAJ. CHARLES E. TRUYN. 

I tlo SO long to heur from home; tioo whole weeks since I have 
heard one word. Love to all, and to you as ever. 

Your affectionate CHARLIE. 

On the 3 1st of May and the 1st of June, 1862, his regiment 
was engaged in the terrific battle of Fair Oaks. In this engage- 
ment the regiment suffered severely, losing one-third killed and 
wounded. Lieut. Pruyn had been quite ill and was entirely 
unfit for duty, but no selfish consideration could keep him from 
his post. He conducted himself with such bravery and devotion, 
that he was mentioned in the official report of his Colonel, as 
" deserving special commendation for his gallantry and soldierly 
bearing." 

The Ninety-sixth were in the celebrated " Casey's Division," 
which was in the advance, and within sight of Richmond at this 
l)attle. By some strange and ungenerous misapprehension. Gen. 
McClellan was led to censure this division in his first dispatch, 
charging that it " broke unaccountabl}^ and discreditably." How 
unjust was this aspersion was abundantly proved, when the sub- 
ject was discussed on the floor of Congress. In that discussion, 
the Hon. Mr. Van Wyck, of New York, " briefly recounted the 
movements of Casey's Division from the 5th of May till the battle 
of Fair Oaks; what losses it sustained from toil and exposure; 
that it was halted amid the SAvamps of the Chickahominy, where 
without tents, without blankets, without food, and without mur- 
muring, they lay down on the banks of that deadly stream. That 
Casey's Division had but 5,000 men fit for duty, while the enemy 
marched from 30,000 to 40,000 men against him; that Casey's 
men held the ground for three hours without being reinforced; 
that every rod of the retreat was covered with the rebel dead; 
that our gallant men fell where the sleepers are many, with their 
backs on the ground, and their feet to the foe; that nearly one- 
third of Casey's men were killed or wounded, a larger propor- 
tion than any other division had lost in a single battle during the 
war; that while the history of centuries is being crowded into 
days, hours and moments, he felt that the records of the house 



MAJ. CHAKLES E. PRUYN. 289 

should do justice to the bravery and devotion of a gallant divi- 
sion, that deserved so much of their country." 

Mr. Pruyn's letters written immediately after this battle, agree 
very remarkably with these statements. 

June 3, 1862. 

Dear Mother — Fearing you have heard of the battle of the 
31st and 1st, and perhaps have heard that the Second Brigade of 
Casey's Division was all cut up, I just write a line to tell you 
that although our regiment is pretty well used up, your sou is 
alive and well; and that thoug-h the secesh bullets came round 
thick and fast, killing and wounding our men without number, 
the nearest I received to a wound, was a piece of lead through 
my coat, but which never touched the skin. Thank God for my 
safety. 

Not only our regiment, but the whole brigade are cut to 
pieces. Since the fight, several of oiir men have been out, and 
find that the place occupied by the force opposed to us, is 
literally covered with their dead, thus showing that our boys 
done good service. I cannot write more now; this is only to 
relieve your anxiety. The fight was right on our camp ground, 
and we have lost everything. Over 4,000 of our wounded have 
been sent off, and not nearly all are gone yet. 

In haste, but affectionately, 

CHARLIE. 

The following, giving a more detailed account of the battle, 
is one of what he called his "journal letters." These letters 
were carefully written up from his memorandum book, and from 
first to last would furnish a concise, correct and interesting his- 
tory of the movements of the portion of the army with which 
he was connected. 

It is surprising that he could find time for letters like these, 
but they furnish one of the many proofs he gave of his desire to 
gratify and relieve his friends at home. His mother regarded it 
as a religious duty to keep him acquainted with every minutia 
of domestic afl'airs, believing it the surest way to keep alive his 

19 



290 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

attachment to home. She was well rewarded by his carefulness 
and attention to her wishes, in regard to a knowledge of his daily 
movements. 

In the Woods, near Bottom's Bridge, Va., ) 
Tuesday, Jwte 8^//, 1862. I 

My dear Mother — Beginning at the date of my last journal 
letter, Tuesday, May 13tli, we left Rosser's Church al>out seven 
o'clock. The day was scorching hot, and we did not reach our 
final stopping place until two o'clock the next a. m. Just think, 
nineteen hours under, part of the time, a burning sun, with a 
heavy knapsack on your back. And yet we only marched twelve 
miles. If we only could have started and marched right on, it 
would -have been far easier; but the trouble was, wath such an 
immense body of troops the roads became blocked up, and we 
could only march a few feet and then stop ten minutes or more; 
and so on all day, not stopping long enough for the men to sit 
down to rest. It was a terrible march. This place is called New 
Kent Court House. 

Saturday, 11th. — Had dress parade to-night, and just after it 
was over we received orders to march. Started just at dark, 
and marched till after midnight, when we stopped at a place 
called Cross Roads. Our march was not fatiguing, as it was 
night and cool, but a part of the w^ay was through the woods, 
and so dark we could not see w^here to go, and often we got into 
mud holes. Laid down and slept this night with the bosom of 
mother earth for my resting place, and the star spangled heavens 
for my coverlid, and, what's more, slept sound and good. If I 
am spared to return, I am afraid I shall have to go out into the 
garden to sleep, for I don't think it will be possible to lie in a 
bed in the house. 

Sunday, ISth. — No work to-day. A splendid day, though very 
hot. This evening, for the first time, the regiment had the 
word of God read and expounded to them by our Chaplain, who 
joined the regiment yesterday. It did my heart good, once more 
to join with others in praise to the Almighty for His goodness 
and mercy to us. 



MAJ. CHAELES E. PRUYN. 291 

I have a new kind of bed, which pleases me very mnch. I 
take my bhmket and tie a rope to each end. These ropes I 
make fast to two trees, jump in, l)ring the two sides of the bhxn- 
ket together, get one of the boys to throw a rubber blanket over 
this ball of humanity, and I am fixed for the night. Unless, 
peradventure, said ropes should break, which verily doth often 
happen, in which case the young man, even he called Pruyn, 
doth receive sundry bumps and bruises on head and body, which 
doth not add to the serenity of his temper. 

Monday, I'idtJi. — Although it rained hard this a. m., we started 
and marched several miles to a place called Despatch Station, on 
the Richmond and York River Railroad. Are now about fifteen 
miles from Richmond, the goal of our ex])ectations. Slung my 
hammock, and laid me down to sleep. 

Tuesday, 20^/i. — Was awakened this a. m. early, by hearing 
some one say that " Capt. Lot" had arrived with his sutler's 
wagon. I tumbled {literally tumbled) out of my hammock, and 
started for the wagon. You must know that we men here are 
like quadrupeds; we take one good shake on rising and we are 
dressed. I have not taken off my clothes to sleep since I came 
to the war. I purchased some ginger cakes at two cents a piece, 
a can of oysters at a dollar, a few other things in proportion, 
and ate a breakfast which I tell you was good. Long before my 
breakfast was over, Capt. Lot had sold out, and started off for 
another load. 

Wednesday, '2\st. — Yesterday, about ten o'clock, we were 
ordered out for a fii2:ht. Started with our cartridge boxes filled 
Avith ammunition, and went at a rapid pace about two and a half 
miles, when, coming into an opening in the road, saw two or 
three regiments in a field popi^ing away at some invisible enemy 
in the woods, and from the fact that bullets would occasionally 
and semi-occasionally whistle around our heads, we were led to 
conclude that said invisible enemy was popping at us. The 
further to convince us that our conjectures were right, said enemy 
let fly a few round shot and sliell, which came in close proximity 
to the heads of several members of the glorious Ninety-sixth, 
and the hum of which has a very disagreeable sound to a man, 



292 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUTN. 

reminding him of what migJit be the consequence, if he happened 
to be in the spot where said shot or shell struck. Well, we staid 
there, doing no good, for we were not ordered further, but 
having the pleasure of knowing that we were a good mark for 
certain little pieces of lead, which the enemy were prone to send 
us, with their loving regards. 

Finally our regiment w^as put back in the woods, and Co. A, 
with Lieut. Pruyn in command, sent up to guard a house whe)"e 
lived a hoary headed secessionist, who, it was supposed, would 
give information to the enemy of our strength, &c., unless he 
was watched. He was not at all glad to see me, but that was 
none of my business. I told him to keep cool, and placed a 
guard around the house, after which I requested my friend, the 
host, to get me some dinner, for which, however, I paid him 
liberally, and which pay, notwithstanding his patriotism, he was 
very glad to get. This sumptuous meal consisted of coffee made 
of corn, parched and ground, without milk; bacon, fried, and 
corn cakes, made of corn meal and water without any salt. At 
night my friend had to give me supper, and, in the a. m., 
breakfast. 

Thursday^ 22cZ. — About noon this day was relieved, and the 
regiment marched back, but not to our old camp, for since we 
came down here the whole army has moved further down. We 
were sent forward to drive in the enemy's scouts and pickets. 

Fine weather in the a. m. and very hot, but in the p. M. rained 
furiously and hailed. I had pitched my tent in a hollow, and 
when the rain came I was flooded out, besides having my tent 
blown down. I got rather wet. 

Friday 2?>d. — Orders to march; started and crossed the Chicka- 
hominy, which don't amount to anything. From all you hear 
about it, one is led to suppose it is quite a large river, but it 
turns out to be a little, insignificant stream. We traveled on 
this day till night, and then encamped by the roadside, just as 
we had marched. 

Saturday 24<A. — Eained hard all day. We heard heavy firing, 
and were shortly ordered forward to fight, but again the enemy 
had left before we came up, so we stopped and encamped regu- 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 293 

larly, but "no rest for the wicked." About eight o'clock at 
night the whole regiment was ordered out on picket, and wet, 
tired, hungry and cold, wo were obliged to go and stand on picket 
all night. 

Sunday 2btJi. — A lovely day; cleared off in the night. As I 
am Acting Adjutant, I staid at head-quarters last night, which is 
an old house that has never been finished. About noon we were 
relieved, and marched back to camp, where the men had their 
rations dealt out to them, which they were sadly in need of, poor 
fellows, for they had had very little the day previous. Here we 
staid all day and that night, and our poor boys slept well on the 
damp ground. It is the greatest wonder in the world to me that 
any of us can stand what we do; 'tis true that two-thirds of the 
regiment have given out and are sick in the various hospitals, but 
the wonder is that any man can endure what we do. 

Monday 'iQth. — Were ordered suddenly this a. m. to fall in and 
march without our knapsacks — to " go forward and fight the 
enemy." The boys started in good spirits, and on we went for 
about two miles, when we foinid that again they had fled. With 
sorrowful faces we turned and came back, put on our knapsacks, 
and again went forward, till we came to a place called Seven 
Pines, where we stopped. We are now so near Richmond that 
it is imiDossible to make a long march unless we turn and jro 
back, which we have not done yet, and / Jiope never ivill. 

Tuesday 21tli. — Remained in this place; heard of Banks' being 
in retreat and defeated, which created a profound sensation in 
camp. We have made a detail of fifty men from our regiment to 
throw up earthworks, dig rifle pits, and cut down trees and form 
what is called an abattis. 

Wednesday 2Sth. — The regiment was ordered ofi' on picket. 
As Col, Fairman is division officer of the day, Lieut. Col. Gray 
takes command. I feel miserably sick and wretched; hope I 
shall not have to give in. 

Thursday 2S^lh. — A sad day for our regiment; our Major was 
killed. I wrote you about it the day it happened, and in the 
"Herald," of 4th of June, you will find an account of it. Save 
that paper for me. He is a great loss to us. We all loved him 



294 MAJ. CHAELES E. PRUYN. 

for hh many excellent qualities, and he was a man of great mili- 
tary experience. I feel very badly to-da}^ 

The place where we were was Fair Oaks Station. The name 
will be borne in history as the battle of the 31st of Fair Oaks. 
We were relieved near night, and marched back to camp — not 
onr old one, but a new one, which had been laid out while we 
were out on picket. And now as this camp was the battle ground, 
I will tell you, as well as I can, how we were situated. Since 
leaving Yorktown, those divisions which were in the rear have 
been in front, consequently we have been in front. That camp 
was on the extreme left of our whole line of operations, and was 
exceedingly weak, so weak that we often used to talk about it, 
and wonder that our division was left so exposed. Our camp 
was close to our pickets, so that it might be said the whole divi- 
sion was on picket all the time. 

The few days we were there, we were literally on guard the 
whole time. We sent off from each regiment one hundred men to 
throw up earthworks, to protect us on our front, l)ut which were 
only partially finished at the time of the battle. We were called 
up once or twice at night by alarms. Three times the day before 
the battle we were out in line of battle; and every morning up 
at three o'clock a. m. and formed in line, so you see how we had 
to work. 

Friday SOth — Hard at work, so hard that I could not stand it 
any longer; worn out; used up; it's useless to try to keep up, but 
I miist try. 

Saturday ^Ist — I was busy this a. m. making out the regimental 
reports, which must be sent in to the Brigadier General the last 
day of the month. I felt miserable but kept up, hoping to get 
some rest after that was done. Just after noon, I had stepped 
to the Colonel's tent, and was standing talking with him, when I 
heard the report of a cannon, followed by the whir of a round 
shot, which passed right over our heads and struck the ground 
about fifty paces to the rear of the tent. We looked surprised, 
and began to talk of "What an excellent shot it was; " "It was 
a beautiful line shot; " " If it had been a little lower," &c,, when 
the second report of a cannon and a second shot came whirring 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 295 

past, but this time a little nearer. The Brigadier General, whose 
tent was a few paces oif, was standing near at the time; said he, 
"this will never do, if we don't get out of this some of tJtese 
hoys vdll get hity He ordered me to form the regiment, (I was 
Acting Adjutant) but, before I could do this, the pickets com- 
menced firing. We had had so many alarms the last few days, 
that we thought little of it, l)ut still marched out and formed in 
line in the road. At our first position in the road, the bullets 
came around thick and fast, and one man was killed. From this 
position we were ordered across the field. But Avhen we got 
part of the waj^ there, we saw several little puffs of smoke at a 
little distance, and the Colonel, suspecting the enemy was there, 
formed us in line. The boys saw some men behind the fence, 
but they had a white flag, and the cry immediately was "don't 
shoot." But I remembered the treacher}^ of the rascals, and 
shouted, " It's them, but they are trying to deceive you, take 
good aim and let them have it." If you could have heard the 
volley that followed this order of mine you would have heard 
something. As soon as our boys opened on them they rose up, 
and then we saw what an escape we had had. There were sev- 
eral thousand men there, and if we had gone down where we 
were ordered, it is not possible that one could have escaped alive. 
Oh! how they opened on us. It is a miracle that any of us came 
off alive. Our boys dropped like sheep, but still they did not 
flinch. They stood right up to it till the regiment which joined 
on to us gave way, then our boys fell back to the rifle pits. Here 
we only staid a short time, for we found the enemy had what is 
called a " raking fire " on us, which swept down the ditch in such 
a manner that one shot would wound or kill several. Here it 
w^as that we lost the most, so we fell back to our former position 
and made our last stand. Our men fought nohly, bravely; never 
flinched under a murderous fire. I was proud of them. The 
man next to me was shot down dead with the colors in his hand. 
The Colonel caught them and looked around for some one to 
take them. I sprang forward and took and held them till a ser- 
geant came and relieved me. The color bearer who was killed, 
Avas one that I had always taken a great interest in, for the reason 



296 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

that I had promised his father, in Plattsbiirgh, that I would 
exercise a care over him. He did not belong to my company, 
but that made no difference. Poor fellow, he died nobly, but 
how I pity his poor father! 

Perhaps it was caused by excitement, but I really knew no 
fear; and although the bullets flew around me thick as hail, I 
thought no more of them than of so many pebble stones. You 
may think I want to brag, but it is not so; and this is not my 
case only. If a man is going to show fear, he will do it before 
the fight. Once in it, and there is no time to think of self. 
How long we were here I know not. I was busy exhorting the 
men to stand up to it, "give it to them," "pop them down, 
boys," " take good aim and luring down one of the rascals;" until, 
finally, on looking around, I saw that, with the exception of the 
Colonel, two or three oflicers, and about a dozen men, we were 
alone. 

I looked across the open ground, and thought that my chance 
of getting over it safely was out of the question. Actually, at 
that moment, I would not have given two cents for my life. 
Thus I soliloquized : " Pruyn, my boy, it's impossible for you to 
get over there in safety. You haven't one chance in ten thou- 
sand; but then you know, my boy, the rebels don't give quarter, 
and they will be in here in less than two minutes; so, if you don't 
get there, you're done for any way. So here goes." I started; 
I did not n«i, mother — I never will do that; but I walked, and 
it did seem to me I never should reach the woods. 

This ended my part of the fight. Our regiment was all gone 
in — broken and scattered. I met all that was left of it that night; 
fragments that the Colonel had collected together and marched 
about two miles to the rear. I reported myself to the Colonel, 
and was highly commended by him. I had spent the time, after 
the regiment was broken up till I reported to the Colonel, in 
helping wounded men to different hospitals. I met a party carry- 
ing Lieutenant Colonel De Forest of the Eighty-first New York, 
an Albanian, and showed them where a hospital was. He is 
dangerously wounded in the lung. 

Sunday^ June Ist. — The regiment was marched down to the 



MAJ. CII.U1LES E. PRUYN. 297 

woods, back of the second tier of rifle-pits, and there encamped 
as well as we could. 

Now we fought well in our regiment — losing, in killed, 
wounded, and missing, one man out of every four. The rebels 
have possession of our camp, so the men have lost everything. 
Luckily, my trunk was in the wagon on the other side of the 
river, Init my knapsack and many other things are gone. I have 
been honorably mentioned in the Colonel's report for "bravery 
and soldierl}^ bearing on the field," though I don't knoAV for what, 
unless picking up the flag and holding it, and certainly that 
wasn't much. But now that it is all over, we are told by Gen. 
McClellan in his dispatch that "the troops all did nobly, excej^t 
Casey's Division. Or, in other words, because six thousand men 
did not beat back fifty thousand, they are cowards. This makes 
us all sick of fighting. To stand in front of such a superior force, 
and fight as we Jxiiow we did, and then l>e branded as cowards, is 
certainly too much to bear. And then to have it go before the 
world over McClellan's signature, of course it will be believed, 
and we shall l)e sneered at forever. Why it would have been 
far better if we had not been in the fio;ht at all, for then nothinir 
would have been said about us. Oh, it does seem to me I can't 
get over this! If you see me coming home soon, don't be sur- 
prised. But enough of it. It makes me so indignant I don't 
want to think of it — if I can hdp it. 

Mondmi, June 2d. — The firing has all ceased, and we are yet 
in the same place, but still they bring in the wounded. 

Tuesday, Sd. — Made a detail of men to go out and bury 
the dead. Several of our boys have lieen up to our old camp 
and report that the rebels have carried off everything, or 
destroyed what they could not remove. They say the stench is so 
terrible, from the enormous number of dead unburied there, that 
it is almost impossible to remain in the neighborhood. 

Wednesday, 4th. — The rain came down in torrents. You folks 
north have no idea how it can rain down here. Notwithstanding 
the rain, we started to-day, and with sad and deeply mortified 
feeling, we7it hack for the first time. In the afternoon, halted 
near the Chickahominy, al^out two miles from Bottom's Bridge. 



298 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

Oh ! what a march this was. For some fifty yards we had to 
wade through water over four feet deep, and running swiftly. 
Some of the little drummer boys were almost drowned. Tuesday, 
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, still here. 
There is talk of sending us to Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, or some- 
where. Our division is so reduced by losses and sickness, that 
we are not considered fit for service in the field. 

But my job is done. I write all cramped up and am very tired, 
and I guess you are too, by this time. 

I am as ever, your afiectionate son, 

CHARLIE. 

To those who knew Lieut. Pruyn, it was not surprising that 
to be branded as a coward, so unjustly, should be intensely pain- 
ful and mortifying; although the above letter does not indicate 
the bitterness of the feeling that really existed in his mind. The 
more he reflected upon it the deeper those feelings became, and 
w^eak and depressed as he was, he had not strength to resist 
them. 

Referring to this in a letter written a day or two after, he says: 
"This regiment which left Plattsburgh with nearly nine hundred 
men, can now muster for duty only about one hundred and fifty. 
And yet we were willing to toil and suffer and die if need be, till 
since this battle. Now every one is utterly disheartened. How 
much a few words from one in authority can do. Those words 
of McClellan's so unjustly delivered — ' The men all done splen- 
didly except Casey's Division' — this is what has broken us down. 
For whatever others have done, the Ninety-sixth New York fought 
as well as men could fight, and only left the field when the enemy 
was on three sides of them, and tlten retired with their faces to 
the foe, loading and firing as they walked, for they did not nin. 

" If the public need proof of what we did, we can give the best 
of proof — our list of killed and wounded — one man out of every 
four actually on the field — did any other regiment do this ? Our 
division hardly six thousand strong, held in check more than 
thirty thousand rebels. Did any other division do this ? Oh, 
is it not hard after all this to be branded as cowards f^ 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 299 

'Tis true Gen. McClellan afterwards modified his report, and 
retracted his charges, but too late for its eflect upon this brave 
young heart. The injustice had done its work, and he resigned 
on the 17th of June and returned to his home, bringing with him 
garments perforated by the bullets — which, however, through the 
care of a kind Providence, were not allowed to touch him. It 
is only justice to his memory thus to explain the cause of his 
resignation, for by those who did not understand him, it was inex- 
plicable. 

But aside from these reasons, there were others which would 
have fully justified the step. His father's death had occurred 
the spring previous, and his mother had a great burden of care 
and responsibility, from Avhich his presence might relieve her to a 
great extent. He felt deeply his responsibility in regard to her, 
and often debated what was duty. He had been willing, if his 
mother desired it, to resign before this; but finding her willing 
to sacrifice every personal consideration to her country's good, 
he decided that the claims of his country were paramount. 

When Col. Fairman transmitted to him his discharge, he took 
occasion to write the following letter : 

Camp Ninety-sixth Regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers, ) 
Before Richmond, June 17, 1862. \ 

Lieutenant Charles E. Pruyn : 

Dear Sir — I herewith transmit your honorable discharge from 
the service of the United States, and in so doing would express 
my unfeigned regret at the loss of your companionship and ser- 
vice as a man and officer. I cheerfully give my attestation to 
your courage and devotion as a soldier of the Union, to which I 
Avas witness in the terrific battle of Fair Oaks, before Richmond, 
May 31st. And I shall ever remember you with peculiar inte- 
rest as a soldier, who stood by my side while one out of four was 
killed or wounded, and one out of three of our regiment was 
lost in battle. With cordial wishes for jowy future success, 
I am truly yours, &c., 

JAMES FAIRMAN, 
Col 9G^/i Rec/t N. Y. S. Vols. 



300 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYTf. 

Mr. Pruyn very soon, however, felt that he had made a mis- 
take in resigning. Before he reached his home he saw clearly 
that the injustice of a man did not affect the merits of the cause, 
or the claims of his country upon his services, and he determined 
to return to the army. But the seeds of disease, contracted amid 
those fearful swamps, developed themselves immediately upon 
his arrival home, and a serious illness followed. Yet, even while 
prostrate with sickness, the old feeling came back that it " w^as 
a shame and disgrace for a young man like him to he at home in 
comfort while the country was imperiled, and he longed for 
returning health that he might go back to duty." 

One little circumstance will show how reaZ this feeling was. 
On the Fourth of July the procession passed his house, and he 
being then quite sick, went to the front door to look at it. In a 
few moments he came in, saying " that he could not stand there, 
and that it made him indignant to see that it was possiljle to get 
up so large a company of men in the city of Albany. No won- 
der the South can beat us, when the men of the North would 
rather stay at home and parade the streets." 

While yet too ill to leave the house, he was offered the posi- 
tion of Adjutant of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment 
New York State Volunteers, then organizing at Plattsburgh. 
He at first declined, but being urged very strongly, he at length 
decided to accept it, and w^ent for the second time to that place. 

He received his commission as Adjutant of the regiment July 
16, 1862. His services in the organization of the regiment were 
acknowledged to be invaluable — as, wath the exception of one 
person, he was the only officer who had any practical knowledge 
of military tactics and discipline. His qualifications as a disci- 
plinarian were found to be so desirable, that wdien the regiment 
left Plattsburgh he was very strongly urged to remain as Adju- 
tant of the post, and promised the position of Major of a new 
regiment to be immediately organized there. Colonel Eichards 
strenuously opposed this, declaring it impossible to spare him. 
Adjutant Pruyn saw clearly the advantages of the offer, but feel- 
ing a just pride in the regiment which had grown into jihape and 
order under his discipline, and having a strong attachment to 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 301 

; associate officers, he declined the proposition, and 
,,v;iit with the One Hundred and Eighteenth to the seat of war. 

It is asserted by some of the officers who have had a good 
opportunity to know, that the set of regimental papers, prepared 
by him at this time, are the most complete and beautiful set now 
on file in the Adjutant General's office. 

The regiment remained in and around Washington, doing gar- 
rison duty, till the spring of 1863. At this time he was again 
highly complimented upon his regimental reports, and was 
assured, by the inspecting officer, that "he had the most exact, 
well kept and handsome books he had found in his whole tour 
of inspection." These little circumstances show that it was 
characteristic of him to do everytJdng in the best possible man- 
ner. Exact and thorough in all he undertook, he established a 
character for system and reliability among all who had any deal- 
ings with him, rarely sustained l)y one so young. 

Adjutant Pruyn was A. A. A. General, on Col. Wordrop's 
staff, commanding brigade from June 20th to July 13th, and was 
Post Adjutant at Gloucester Point, from July 14th to August 
28th, 1863, when he received his commission as Major of the 
regiment, upon the nearly unanimous vote of the line officers, 
many of them with great magnanimity and from a true sense of 
justice, waiving their own claims in his favor. 

In the latter part of Octol)er, 1863, a detachment of the regi- 
ment was sent out on several dangerous reconnoitering expedi- 
tions, under command of Major Pruyn. These expeditions were 
accomplished with great credit and success, and the appreciation 
of his character and services, by those under his command, may 
be known by the following letter. 

The value of this compliment was greatly enhanced l)y the fact, 
that it was so arranged as to celebrate his twenty-third birth day. 

LixE Officers' Quarters, 118th Regt. N. Y. S. V., 
Portsmouth, Va., JSTov. 11, 1863. 

Major Charles E. Pruyn, Commanding Detachment llWi Regi- 
ment JV. Y. F., Intrenched Camp^ JSforfolk^ Va : 

Major — The line officers of your late command in Portsmouth, 



302 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

Va., highly appreciating your many good and noble qualities, 
both as an officer and a gentleman, have decided to honor you 
with a supper, and the pleasure of your company is respectfully 
solicited, to attend the same, at the American Hotel, Portsmouth, 
this evening. 

We are, Major, yours, with the highest esteem, 

M. V. B. STETSON. 

J. W. ANGELL. 

JOHN BRYDON. 

From this time until May 4th, 1864, the regiment was en 
camped at Yorktown and the neighborhood. During this inter- 
val, they participated in several skirmishes, and attempted several 
movements which failed in their accomplishment. His health 
was by this time seriously impaired, and symptoms of heart 
disease were developed, which made it dangerous for him to 
continue in scenes of excitement. But no persuasion or advice 
could induce him to resign. 

On the 4th of Maj^ the regiment eml^arked, being in the Eigli 
teentli Army Corps, for the James River, under Gen. Butler 
One of his "journal letters" gives a diary of this jDcriod till the 
battle of Drury's Bluff, or Proctor's Creek, May 16th, 1864. 

In this l)attle, the Colonel being al)sent, and the Lieut. Col. 
wounded in the early part of the engagement, the command 
devolved on Major Pruyn. How well he discharged his duty 
may be judged from the fact, that his regiment was the last to 
leave the field, and earned there a character for endurance and 
bravery, that placed them in the foremost I'anks of the heroic 
defenders of our nation. In a letter Avritten by Major General 
Devens to Governor Fenton, when the regiment was discharged 
at the close of the war, he speaks in the following terms of com- 
mendation: "Pai'ticipating in various affairs previously, at the 
battle of Drury's Bluff", May 16th, 1864, this regiment dis- 
tinguished itself for its great valor and pertinacity, and now the 
reputation it has since enjoyed, is that of being one of the most 
resolute regiments in the service. Out of about three hundred 
and fifty men engaged, it lost in this conflict in casualties, one 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 303 

hundred and ninety-eight men and thirteen officers; and it is a 
most noteworthy fact, that having taken two hundred prisoners 
from the enemy, the regiment had considerably more prisoners at 
the close of the action, than it had men fit for didyV 

The night after this l)attle he wrote the following hasty letter 
to his mother, and, a few days afterAvards, a long "journal letter," 
from which we will make a short extract, giving his description 
of the battle. The difference between these letters, and the for- 
mer ones written when he first entered upon active service, is 
very marked. Three long years of experience and of suffering, 
had subdued the buoyant playfulness of his disposition, and the 
Holy Spirit had deepened his religious feelings, and taught him 
to look upon the solemn circumstances in which he was placed, 
in the light of eternity. 

Near Ber3Iuda Hundreds, May Idth, 1864. 

My dear Mother — Thank God I am safe. Never before have 
I so felt the kind protection of my Heavenly Father, and with 
His assistance I will serve Him more faithfully than I have ever 
done before. I am worn out, used up, sick, sick at heart, but I 
trust a few days rest will restore me. We have been for eight 
days fighting all the time, (bushwhacking) and had worked our 
way up to within nine miles of Richmond, so that from the top 
of a high pine we could see the place. We carried their outer 
line of defences; but this morning they came upon us in over- 
whelming numbers, and, after several hours murderous fighting 
on both sides, they drove us back. 

But our gallant regiment did nobly, and stood their ground 
till the last regiment had left the field. Indeed, they stood their 
ground till they were nearly all shot down. Oh, my heart aches 
so to-night! Some of my best friends are killed. Those I had 
learned to love so well are gone. Oh! when will this cruel, 
wicked war end. We have lost heavily, I fear, but know nothing 
except the thousand rumors that are floating around. But, still, 
there is something for Avhich we may congratulate ourselves. 
This action has called away a large force, which would otherwise 
have been with Lee, so Gen. Grant reaps the benefit. 



304 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

I was not hurt in the least. It was your 'prayers my dearest 
mother^ that saved me. Oh, I know it; I feel it. I trust I shall 
live hereafter as a true Christian. Never before have I felt as I 
do to-night. I am not excited as I write this, though all worn 
out. Your good long letter just received; will study it. Yes, 
I will try. Ever, CHARLIE. 

The following is an extract from his journal letter: 

" May lUJi. — The enemy continued to shell us all this a. m. 
The Colonel pleaded sickness, and went into camp. Colonel 
Nichols, who really is sick, came out and took command. I 
was entirely used up, and was just going to report sick, when I 
was detailed to take charge of the skirmishers of the brigade. 
This being a post of danger, and of course of honor, I pocketed 
my bad feelings and went out. I had several men killed and 
wounded during the twenty-four hours. I was highly compli- 
mented by Gen. Burnhajvi, because I kept my line in good order, 
and did not allow my men to fire unless they saw some one to 
fire at. The trouble is with men generally, they keep popping 
away when there is nothing to be seen, thereby wasting their 
ammunition, alarming oiir folks unnecessarily, and revealing our 
position to the enemy. 

" To be in command of the skirmishers is very fatiguing; run- 
ning around without a moment's rest, constantly under fire and 
great excitement, without a chance to eat or sleep. 

" Saturday night I went out with some of our men and brought 
in a poor fellow of the Ninety-eighth N. Y., who had been killed 
on Friday, but lay in such an exposed position that it was im- 
possible to get at him in the day time. We buried him right by 
our picket lines: a soldier's grave, with nothing to mark his rest- 
ing place but a blaze on the tree near his head. 

" My tour of duty was not off till Sunday afternoon, and when 
I came in I was so entirely used up that I fell asleep the moment 
I dropped on the ground, and slept through the heavy firing 
which was kept up all night. 

''Monday, a. m,, May 16ih. — Just at daylight there was a very 
heavy fog — so dense you could not see six feet from you. Col. 



MAJ. CHAELES E. PRUYN". 305 

Nichols woke me, saying there was heavy firing on the right. I 
grumbled a little at waking so early, saying it Avas only a false 
alarm; but I soon found out my mistake. In a few moments 
Wistar's Brigade^ began to tire, followed by the Eighth Connec- 
ticut, and by the time we were up and ready for action, we saw 
a heavy rebel line within six feet of us, charging down upon us 
with tremendous fury. They had crept up under cover of the 
fog, hoping to surprise us, but were in this disappointed. Our 
boys gave them a tremendous volley, and, as they were so near, 
and our men took good aim before they fired, the slaughter was 
terrible. I could see whole lines of them fall at once. They 
immediately broke in great confusion and ran; but about ninety 
of them ran tl\e wrong way (purposely), and came into our lines, 
and gave themselves up as prisoners. Lieut. Cajmpbell, and a 
company of our regiment, were on picket when the fight began. 
The rebels passed him in the fog without noticing him. Shortly 
afterwards the Assistant Adjutant General on General Johnson's 
(rebel) staff rode up, and taking him for one of his own men, 
asked where Gen. Johnson's skirmish line was. Lieut. Campbell 
told him to get off of that horse, and he w^ould show him the 
Yankee lines. The gentleman resisted, when Campbell pulled 
out his pistol. He then said, " no matter, he would get off," and 
Campbell, steering clear, in the fog, of the rebels, brought him 
and his company all safe into our lines. I could tell of a dozen 
such adventures, but have not time. 

"Heckm.\n's Brigade was broken, and Wistar's followed, 
leaving the flank of the Eighth Connecticut exposed. They 
stood it for a while, when they broke and fell back. Then we 
had to take it. Imagine them all gone, and the rebels in their 
place, protected by our oivn rifle pits, and all firing into the One 
Hundred and Eighteenth, besides those out in front of us, and 
you can have some idea of our condition at the time. But our 
brave boys did not flinch in the least. They stood there loading 
and firing with the utmost coolness, until finally orders were 
given for us to change our front, and take up another position. 
Even this left us open to a terrible fire, and many men fell here. 
Just before we changed, Nichols was slightly wounded, and went 

20 



306 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

to the rear, leaving me in command. After a while we received 
orders to fall back on a line with the other regiments of our 
brigade. Here we staid till every other regiment had left the 
ground, and then we fell slowly back about a quarter of a mile. 
Here we halted, and this time the rebels did not follow us. They 
had been severely punished, and Ijeen taught to have some 
respect for the One Hundred and Eighteenth New York. We 
formed in line and remained here till late in the afternoon, and 
the enemy shelled us, but did not do us much harm. Thus ended 
the battle of Drury's Bluff, in which fell, of Union forces, nearly 
five thousand men, all newspaper reports to the contrary not- 
withstanding. Our regiment lost one hundred and ninety-six 
men and thirteen officers — a little more than half^ of all the men 
engagedV 

The mt)desty Math which he here alludes to his own position 
at this time, and the utter aljsence of all attempt to magnify the 
important part he took in this engagement, is certainly very 
noticeable. Of the regiment — his " brave boys " — he was proud, 
and could speak in terms of unbounded approbation; but of 6e//", 
not a word. His courage and patriotism were ^:»?'o?'e(Z, not ^ro- 
fessed. And certainly they were most conspicuous in this instance, 
when it is remembered that he was, at this time, in a very suffer- 
ing and precarious state of health. 

The second day after this battle he was compelled to yield. 
The excitement of the battle, the responsibility of conmianding, 
which he deeply felt, and the severe and exhausting labors, 
brought on a violent attack of heart disease, and he was taken to 
the hospital for the first time since he had entered the army. 
His great danger was apparent to every one, and the surgeons at 
once told him "it was his duty to resign, and that he could not 
possibly endure the excitement and fatigue of the army." He 
would not for a moment indulge the thought of resignation, and 
insisted upon returning to the regiment after only eight days' rest. 

About this time there was evidently a great change in his reli- 
gious feelings. His letters indicated a depth of spiritual feeling, 
and a desire for entire consecration to the will and service of God 
such as he had not manifested before. The Holy Spirit made the 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 307 

death of bis associates and his own precarious state, the means 
of impressing upon his mind the uncertainty of life, and he was 
brought to a very sweet and earnest submission of himself and 
all his interests to the will of God. 

While in the hospital he wrote several letters, from which we 
make a few extracts : 

" For the first time I am in hospital, but don't be alarmed. I 
am not very sick. The trouble is, just as soon as the long marches 
and fatigue attending them comes on, and the excitement of bat- 
tle, then my old complaint comes back. All I need is rest and 
quiet, and it goes off again. I sometimes wish I could get 
detailed for a few months, and I think I could be entirely cured. 
But I hate to express such a thought even to you, for it is not 
right to wish to be away at such a time as this; nor would I do 
it, were it not that I know I am driving nails in my own coffin 
by staying in this constant excitement. / will not resign — that 
I have made up my mind to; but I have often, as I have been 
l^ang here, thouglit if I could be detailed to take charge of the 
All)any ]:>arracks, what a windfall it would be. But, then, I have 
put away the thought as unworthy. A soldier in the field has 
no I'ight to be looking out for ' soft places.'' I am going back to 
camp to-morrow any way, for I can't stay here in a crowded hos- 
pital with wounded and dying men around. It is enough to 
make a well i:)erson sick." 

On the 31st of May, the Eighteenth Army Cor^^s reinforced 
the Army of the Potomac, and were engaged in the battle of 
Coal Harbor on the 1st, 2d and 3d of June. When the regiment 
was drawn up in line of battle, the first day of this engagement, 
Major Pruyn made an address to his men, which was said by 
some of the officers who listened to him, to be one of the most 
stirring speeches ever uttered; expressing the loftiest patriotism, 
and the purest, deepest religious sentiments. 

In a letter written to his mother the day before, w^hile on the 
transport, he said : "I have given up all speculations upon our 
movements and prospects. I begin to see clearly that we are in 
God's hands, and we must accomplish his purposes. Where we 
are going, and what is before us, I know not, but I am happy 



308 MAJ. CHARLES E. PEUYN. 

and contented. I have committed myseU full]/ to the God of 
battles and I know he will do just what is right for me." Again, 
" We are all in the keeping of the great Creator, and when He 
sees fit this "cruel war" will end, and peace be restored to our 
laud. I pra}^ God that the time may soon come. It is my desire 
and purpose, if my life is spared, to remain in the army till the 
close of the war. But t/ii-ee years is a long time, and I do 
fervently pray that this year may Ijring peace." 

During the first day's engagement at Coal Harbor, his horse 
was wounded and disabled; and on the second day, he received 
a wound in the foot; a ball passing directly through it. At the 
time this occurred the regiment was prepared to make a fearful 
charge. He went to the rear, had his wound hastily dressed, 
sprang upon his horse, rode as far back as possible, and then 
walked the rest of the way to the regiment. As he passed head- 
quarters. Gen. Smith, who commanded the corps, saw him limp- 
ing, and supposing he had just been Avounded, sent an orderly to 
assist him to the ambulance. Major Prlttn thanked him, but 
told him he was on his way back to his men; he could not leave 
at that crisis. The orderly left, but in a moment returned with 
a glass of brandy, saying, " Major Gen. Smith sent this to you, 
and says you are a brave ofiicer." 

While he was at the rear, the General commanding seeing the 
hopelessness of the charge, had countermanded the order, but this 
was not known to Major Pruyn till he reached the regiment. 
Surely the history of the war does not furnish an instance of more 
deliberate and determined abnegation of self! Who can with- 
hold his warmest admiration ! 

By night his wound became so painful that he was obliged to 
yield and go to the field hospital. He was now urged very 
strongly to resign. His heart difiiculty was greatly aggravated, 
and being disabled by a wound, it was argued that he had no 
riffkt to remain any longer in the army. But no argument could 
convince him, neither could he be induced to remain in the hos- 
])ital but a few days. Unable to be on duty, and yet determined 
to be near the regiment, he went Ijack, and for a few days longer 
staid in the chaplain's tent. Of this period the chaplain writes: 



MAJ. CHAELES E. PRUYN. 309 

"We tented together for a short time, and I am ghid I had this 
opportunity to converse so freely with him as I did. For some- 
time there Avas a visible change in him — more thoughtful, more 
ready to converse on religious sul)jects. He often spoke of you, 
and your prayers for him; of the Sal)bath school, and his early 
impressions there. I frequently found him reading his Bible, 
and he read very attentively the little book, 'The Victory Now,' 
which you sent him. One night, after we had prayed together, 
he remarked, that he had never lain down to sleep since he came 
into the army without prayer." 

While in the hospital he wrote: "I write you from this hos- 
pital to-day, but I expect to leave it to-morrow. The doctor 
says it will be several weeks before my foot is well, and I cannot 
think of staying away from the regiment so long. I am needed 
there, and must go back." 

He returned to the regiment on the 8th, and after staying with 
the chaplain two days, he resumed the command. On the 11th 
he wrote the following letter, the last he ever penned: 

In the Rifle Pits, June 11, 1864. 

My dear Mother — I received a few lines from you this a. m. 
* * * * I joined the regiment yesterday. My foot is not 
well, l>ut I cannot stay back. It seems wrong for me to do so, 
especially as the doctors tell me it will be four or five weeks 
before it is entirely healed; but it is only a flesh wound, and if 
it was on my face or hand, would heal in a short time; but a 
wound in the foot, no matter how slight, always takes a long 
time to heal, as the circulation in that part of the body is so 
slow. 

My general health is tolerable. Of course, I don't feel as well 
as if I was at home, and could get my sleep and meals regularly, 
and where I would not have the care and responsibilities which 
the commanding officer of a regiment always has, especially a 
young man like me, entrusted with the lives of more than two 
hundred men. But I do not mean to complain, but rather thank 
God that he has kept me alive, iuid frcmi being severely wounded, 
as so many have been in this terrible struggle. 



310 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

We had one poor fellow killed yesterday, our only casualty 
during the day. Our regiment has now been in the rifle pits, 
under constant fire, ever since we came here, ten days. Of 
course, we are protected by the breastworks, but "familiarity 
breeds contempt," and the men become so accustomed to it that 
they get careless, and in this way many lose their lives. Besides, 
it is impossible for them to stay in the pits all the time, they 
must leave once in a while. 

I thank you, dearest mother, for writing to me so often. Even 
if it is only a few lines, it cheers me, and makes me feel better 
when I am thus constantly reminded that the dear ones at home 
think of me, and it seems to luring me near to you. As I lie on 
the ground at night and look up at the stars, I think those same 
stars are looking down on you, and I go to sleep, dreaming of 
home and motJier. Don't think me romantic; the army is the last 
place for that; and although I do feel anxious that this dreadful 
war should end, and that I may be spared to return to you, yet 
I do not get homesick. I do not allow myself to do that. Love 
to all. Your affectionate CHARLIE. 

Yes, this was the last letter of the dear boy to his dear mother; 
the last " love to all" from him who indeed loved all, and was 
ever ready to sacrifice his own interests for the welfare of 
others. His hour was approaching; he had seen thousands die, 
and now the moment for him to die is coming. His purity, 
his love of home, his undying afiectiou for his Christian mother, 
his ardent patriotism, his sense of honor, his noble and unsur- 
l^assed bravery, could not save him. During the whole war, his 
mother, who is as eminent for her pure and exalted piety as was 
her son for his exalted patriotism, did all in her power for the 
benefit of our soldiers, with the hope that God would return to 
her, her own dear boy. Daily did she pray for his protection. 
Every moment he was on her heart. Every night she retired 
anxious what tidino; the morning would brino-; but she could 
leave him with God. She knew, ]>y a blissful experience, the 
" secret place of the Most High," and slie could trust her Heav- 
enly Father. 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 311 

It will require but a few words to describe the last scene. 

On the 13th of June the regiment re-embarked for Bermuda 
Hundreds, and w^ere immediately on their arrival ordered to 
march upon and assault Petersburg. On the 15th of June, 1864, 
Major Pruyn's regiment was ordered to make a charge on one 
of the most formidal)le Avorks before the place. While pre- 
paring for the advance, the young Major stood erect before his 
men, his countenance radiant with hope, and his eye flashing 
with enthusiasm. Surveying the ranks, he uttered, in a clear 
and ringing voice, the words, "Attention, Battalion!" He was 
the next instant about to give the order, "Charge;" but, before 
the word had escaped his lips, a shell struck him on the breast 
and exploded. He uttered a single exclamation, "Oh," and 
instantly expired. His body was terribly mangled, and, as his 
comrades gathered around the lifeless remains, they wept like 
children. 

The sad tidings fell upon the devoted mother like a thunder- 
bolt, and for a time she seemed crushed. All the past, the days 
of his childhood, the period of his enlistment, his affectionate 
and graphic letters, his heroic deeds, came rushing upon her 
memory and overwhelmed her. But her Heavenly Father has 
graciously sustained her; and all loyal men and women through- 
out the land, all who love liberty and hate slavery, will thank 
her for giving to the American Kepuljlic such a son. History 
will perpetuate his memory, and posterity will applaud the name 
of Charles Elisha Pruyn. 

The precious body was embalmed and brought to his home. 
On Monday, June 27th, 1864, it was my privilege to participate 
in his funeral services, and in the presence of a vast concourse 
of weeping friends, to bear testimony to his ardent piety, his 
nol)le patriotism, and his eminent services rendered to his 
country. His venerable pastor, the Rev. Dr. Wykoff, offered 
an appropriate and fervent prayer, and, from his own w^arm and 
sympathetic heart, commended the bereaved relatives to Him 
who alone could give consolation adequate to the hour. The 
remains Avcrc borne to their last resting place in the Albany Rural 



312 MAJ. CHARLES E. PEUYN 

Cemetery, under the escort of his former comptmioDS, the Zouave 
Cadets. 

The numerous letters received after he fell, bear most touch- 
ing testimony to the grief his death occasioned; and it was a 
proof of the maturity and excellence of his character, that 
those who loved and mourned him most, were the oldest and 
best men, .not only of his own regiment, but of the whole 
brigade. 

One of the officers of the regiment, Capt. E. W. Livingston, 
whose opinion, from the dignity and excellence of his own 
character, was particularly valuable, writes thus: "Though we 
were so nearly at the extremes, he being almost the youngest 
and I quite the oldest officer of the regiment, I very early 
learned to admire his capacity as an officer, and esteem his vir- 
tues as a man; and, notwithstanding the disparity of our years, 
was proud of his friendship. I do not attempt to write words 
of consolation. While I have lost a dear young friend, you have 
lost a most dearly loved son — a son who deserved all your love, 
and fully justified your pride. His memory must be tenderly 
cherished." 

Rev. Dr. Van Santvoord wrote thus to his mother: 

" I met one of your sous several times in Washington, but am 
not positive whether it was Charles or not; but this matters 
little, as I learn from various sources the character of your de- 
ceased boy for truth, honor, and all manly qualities, and the 
deservedly high estimate in which he was held by all who knew 
him, and that the path which he loved and strove to walk in, was 
that which the Master pointed out and His own blessed footsteps 
trod. To lose a son of whom this may be said, is a loss only in 
name. To one fitted for heaven it is gain to die, and it were 
hardly wise or well for us to mourn the entrance of our loved ones, 
on the possession and full enjoyment of the heavenly treasure." 

Nor were these the sentiments only of such as had known him 
in manhood, and after the development of his character. One 
of his earliest companions speaks thus of him : 

" My Dear Mrs. Pruyn — The valual)le gift which you have so 
kindly sent me moves rae more than I can tell. Charlie's sword 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYX. 313 

I feel unworthy of; and yet to no one out of your own family 
could you have confided it to whom it would be more precious. 
I shall cherish it as a memorial of one of the warmest friends of 
my youth; of one with whom I have passed many happ\- hours, 
and of one whose early death crowns a career so honorable, so 
noble, and so patriotic, that I feel proud iu having been for many 
years his associate. 

It seems but a few days since Charlie exchanged the oar of 
our pastime for the sword of the soldier; and the same earnest- 
ness and faithfulness that characterized the enthusiastic boy, hon- 
ored and distinguished the career of the well-loved man. 

As I look at the sword, I shall ever think of the bravery and 
j)atriotism of my former companion; and with the rememl)rance 
shall be linked appreciation of the regard that thinks me not 
unworthy to be the recipient of so precious a boon. 
Deeply sensible of your consideration, 

I remain, truly and gratefully yours, 

JOHN E. Mcelroy. 

The excellent officer who succeeded him in the regiment 
writes : 

"I feel honored to occup}- Jds position, and it is ni}^ highest 
ambition to emulate his noble. Christian patriotism. Oh, that 
he could have been spared to see the termination of this fearful 
struggle! No heart would have rejoiced more truly, for none 
served their country more unselfishly than he did." 

Another writes : 

" INIajor Pruyn's life cannot be measured by length of days, 
for there are few among us, hoary with age, who have such a 
record of duty and patriotism. The score of years and the early 
death completes his life better than a century of mere existence. 
To have l)een a noble boy, a dutiful, exemplary son, a Christian 
man, and a zealous patriot, throws a halo of glory around the 
sad, untimely death." 

Soon after his death, the following tribute to his memory was 
received : 



314 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

Headquarters, 118tii N. Y. S. V. "] 
In the Trenches, Before Petersburg, Ya., J- 

July 20th, 1864. J 

Mrs. Mary Pruyn, AD^aiiy, N. Y. : 

Madam — Enclosed I send you extract from General Orders 
No. 80, Headquarters Department Yirginia and North Carolina, 
just received at these headquarters. 

It will assure you that the name of your lamented son is still 
identihed with the struogle, towards the success of which he 
contributed his young life. The nobly fallen have not been 
forgotten — their memory has been most fittingly honored. 

Alouii: our outer lines their names have l)een set — gems of 
encouragement to ourselves — signs of warning to the foe. 

It shall be our etfort to emulate the brightness of their exam- 
ple — their devotion — that their sacrifices may prove to have been 
in behalf of a cause as gloriously successful, as it is gloriously 
righteous. 

I am, Madam, most respectfully, 

J. L. CUNNINGHAM, 
Captain Commanding ll^lJi JY. Y. V. 

[Official] 

Head Quarters Department of Yirginia "j 

AND North Carolina, in the Field, Ya., • \ 

July 15M, 1864. J 

General Orders No. 80. In honor of the memory of some 
of the gallant dead of this army, who have fallen in this cam- 
paign, the redoul)ts and l^atteries on the lines will hereafter be 
known as follow^s, viz: — ******* 
Battery No. 6 is named Battery Pru^-n, after iSlaj or Charles E. 
Pruyn, One hundred and Eighteenth New^ York Yolunteers. * * 
By connnand of jNIajor General B. F. Butler. 

(Signed) R. S. DAYIS. 

Major and Assistant Adjutant General. 

Referring to this, an officer writes: " Yesterday I visited the 
battery which l)ears his name. It is one of the finest and most 
complete batteries on this whole line. It is the centre and salient 



MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 315 

battery, and in a very important position. At the point occupied 
by this, ours and the enemy's lines are the closest together. A 
very neat board marked "Batter}^ Prujn" has been placed over 
the entrance to the work. I am ghid I Avas able to visit this 
place, but you may believe I had many sad thoughts and memo- 
ries, caused by the visit. Charlie was more to me then, than I 
thought him in life." 

But these testimonials received, are too numerous to be further 
alluded to. Seldom has a young man died of whom less of evil 
could be spoken, or who was more affectionately remembered by a 
larger circle of sorrowing friends. With a mind stored with use- 
ful knowledge, with principles pure and unyielding; with a power 
for influence, aud a caj^acity for command rarely seen in one so 
young; and, above all, with a heart fired with the truest patriot- 
ism, he was eminently fitted for the times, and seemed destined 
to fill a higher position than he was permitted to attain. 

But his young life has been freely given, with the many pre- 
cious sacrifices this fearful war has demanded. 

At a regular meeting of the Washington Lodge, No. 85, F. 
and A. M., held at Masonic Hall, September 24th, 1864, it was 
unanimously 

Resolved, That the tidings of the untimely death of our 
lamented brother, Charles E. Pruyx, Major One Hundred and 
Eighteenth Regiment New York Volunteers, Avhile in the dis- 
charge of his sacred duty, have caused feelings of the deepest 
sorrow. We mourn that a patriot so Ijrave, so true to his country 
and just to his God; a soldier so valiant, a son and brother so 
devoted, so faithful and so l^eloved, should thus early be called 
from a sphere of hope and usefulness. 

Resolved, That in his death, a link in the chain of our brother- 
hood is broken, and his memory will ever be revered by his 
afflicted brethren and associates, as a devoted, ardent and faithful 
brother, and warm friend and supporter of our institution. 

Resolved, That we tender to the afflicted family of our deceased 
brother, our heartfelt sympathy, and assure them of our high 
appreciation of his noble qualities; and, while we liow in humljle 
submission to the chastening rod, we remember that it is an act 



316 MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 

of that mysterious yet all-wise Providence which "doeth all 
things well," and, though removed from his earthly labor, our 
brother is called to higher service and angelic duties in that 
" house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 

W. E. MILBANKS, Secretary. 

]\Ir. Pruyn inherited from his father a decided military taste, 
and he was glad to join the Albany Zouave Cadets, soon after 
their organization, as an amusement, never imagining that the 
knowledge thus acquired would ever be brought into requisition 
for any higher or more important purpose. 

He enjoyed his connections with this company, and was ever 
ready to made any sacrifice to promote its interests. 

The following resolutions, passed by the company after his 
death, express their estimation of him: 

Armory Albany Zouave Cadets, ? 

Co. "A," Tenth Eeglvient, N. G. N. Y. ] 

At a special meeting of this company, held at their rooms on 
Friday evening, June 24th, the following preamble and resolu- 
tions were unanimously adopted: 

The tidings from the battle field before Petersburg, Va., brings 
to us the painful intelligence of the death of our former associate, 
Charles E. Pruyn, Major of the One Hundred and Eighteenth 
Regiment N. Y. S. V., who fell while bravely discharging his 
duty in the service of his counti-y; therefore it is 

Resolved, That in the sacrifice of this noble young life, our 
Nation has lost a brave man and a devoted patriot, and this com- 
pany, of which he was an honored member, a friend and comrade 
who was endeared to us by many ties of aflection. 

Resolved, That, though we have been called to grieve over his 
untimely end, we still have the consolation of knowing his death 
was the Christian's, his sacrifice the hero's, and that he yielded 
up his life in the holy cause of defending the rights of his country. 

Resolved, That we tender to the officers of his regiment our 
heartfelt sympathies for the loss they liave sustained by the death 
of their gallant ofiicer. 



MA J. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 317 

Resolved^ That, though we feel the insufficiency of human 
sympath3^, we olicr to the family of our tleparted comrade our 
sincere condolence in their dark hour of trial. 

Resolved, That desiring to pay a fitting tri])ute of respect to 
the memory of our departed friend, we will attend his funeral 
obsequies in such a manner as may be acceptable to the bereaved 
family. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, joroperly engrossed, 
be tendered to the family of the deceased; that a copy be for- 
warded to the officers of his regiment, and that they also be pub- 
lished in the daily papers of this city. 

L. U. LENOX, Captain. 

W. N. S. Sanders, Secretary. 

Other testimonials were received, equally earnest and flatter- 
ing, with those already given, which our limits Avill not allow us 
to insert. 

But higher than all human praise, is the approbation of that 
God whom our hero so faithfully served, and the love and wel- 
come of the Saviour, in whom he placed his trust, and his hope 
of immortal glory. 



318 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 



XYII. 

MAJOR GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

George Seward Dawson was horn in Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 
7, 1838. After having acquired a thorough business education, 
he entered the printing ofhce of Weed, Parsons & Co. (of whicli 
tirni his father is a member) as an apprentice, and, having served 
out his time, was engaged in the office at the outbreak of the 
rel)ellion. For a few months preceding the foil of Sumter, he 
was a member of Company B, Tenth Regiment National Guards, 
and from the happening of that event, he became fixed in his 
purpose to take part in the contest. He offered himself as a 
volunteer in the first regiments raised in All)any, N. Y., but 
owing to the loss of vision in one of his eyes, caused by an acci- 
dent in his early boyhood, he could not pass examination. 
Grieved that he was thus precluded from taking his place as a 
l)rivate in the ranks, he resolved, with the cordial acquiescence 
of his parents, to solicit a commission, as the onl}^ mode of car- 
rying out his patriotic purpose. A commission of First Lieuten- 
ant was readily secured for him in the Second Regiment of New 
York Volunteer Artillery. 

On the 6th of November, 1861, he joined his command, 
which was rendezvoused on Staten Island, and the next day 
moved with it to Washington, marching directly to Fort AYard, 
in the innnediate vicinity of Fairfax Seminary, south of the 
Potoniac. His own company was detailed for Fort Ellsworth, 
and sul)s(M|uently, at different times, for two years, garrisoned 
Forts Worth, Reno, Ward and Cochrane. 

In Februarv, 1802, the Ca[)tain of his company (F) having 
rcsiuned, the Lieutenant was promoted to the vacancy, which 
])()siti()n lie lield until he received the wound which resulted in 
his death. 



MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 319 

The first active field service assigned tlie regiment was in 
1863, during the famous but unfortunate campaign of General 
Pope. It was ordered to proceed to Manassas, and vicinity, to 
aid in protecting the trains running to that point. It was a 
weary march for a regiment Avhich had been strictly confined 
to garrison duty for nearly two years, and which had had no 
experience in the rougher work of war. But the order was 
received with cheers, and the regiment went to its assigned 
duty with alacrity, anxious to escape the monotony of garrison 
life, and to share in the dangers and glory of the field. Before, 
however, it had reached its point of ultimate destination, and 
while marching cheerily foi'vvard, without the slightest suspicion 
that the enemy was in the neighborhood in force, it was startled 
by a heavy discharge of artillery in front and on either flank, 
as if it had hocn purposely permitted to enter a cid-de-sac 
before l)eing warned of its danger. It was the regiment's first 
experience of the iron realities of war, and although the shot and 
shell came thick and fiist, there was, at first, neither panic nor 
alarm. No enemy Avas visible, and there was no evidence of his 
proximity, except what was furnished by these iron missiles. 
It soon became apparent, however, that they were nearly sur- 
rounded by a largel}^ superior force — at least ten to one, as was 
afterwards ascertained. But for the impression that the regi- 
ment was merely the skirmish line of a large force in the rear, 
it would have Ijeen captured, as it might have been easily. This 
impression, however, saved it from so sad a fate; and the ofiicer 
in command. Col. Waggoner, though illy qualified to take care of 
his men in such an emergency, had the sagacity to see that his 
only safety was in retreat — which he was enabled to effect for a 
time, in good order. But when the retreat began, and the 
enemy discovered that they had lieen approached by a single regi- 
ment, without support — which they were slow to believe, as it 
indicated a want of foresight wholly incomprehensible — they 
sallied out of their earth works, with cavalry and artiller}^, 
determined to punish the "impudent Yankees," who had, in 
such insignificant numbers, bearded them in their stronghold. 

For a while they were held in check by the timely arrival of 



320 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

a section of the Eleventh (Hiivelock) Battery, which had been 
surprised and routed, a few hours previously, by a superior force. 
The two guns thus brought aAvay in the retreat were pressed 
into service, and were used eflectively against the advancing 
enemy. But it was soon found impracticable to make a stand, 
and the retreat finally became a rout. 

Capt. Dawsox's company was given the post of honor, the rear, 
in the retreat, and was for a time held well in hand; but the 
rapid approach of a large force of cavalry rendered it apparent 
that resistance would be useless, and soon every man was on the 
look out for himself. Unfortunately the Captain had been, a few 
days previously, lamed by a severe kick from a horse, and suffered 
greatly from this injury during the entire march. It soon became 
evident to him that, however anxious he might be to escape, a 
rapid retreat was impossible. Thus crippled, he was soon left 
far in the rear, accompanied b}^ a few of his faithful men, who 
refused to leave him. With the rebel cavalry in full sight, and 
only kept back by their pursuit of stragglers in the woods, the 
Captain, una1)le to drag himself farther, sat down by the road- 
side with no other expectation than immediate capture. To be 
taken prisoner is anj'thing but a pleasant prospect at any time, 
but at this particular juncture it was scarcely less to be dreaded 
than death, for an order had just been issued, by the rebels, 
threatening all captured officers serving under Pope, with "chains 
and dungeons," in retaliation for that General's order to " live 
upon the enemy." 

But there was no alternative. He could not, to save his life, 
proceed farther, and ordering his men to leave him and seek 
their own safety, he prepared to surrender whenever his pur- 
suers should so order. But at this crisis unexpected succor 
reached him. Hospital Steward He^vld, of the Eleventh Bat- 
tery, rode up at full speed on a horse which he had cut from 
one of the caissons left upon the field in the rout of that bat- 
tery, and discovering the Captain, whom he knew, and whose 
helplessness was made known to him in a word, he magnani- 
mously leaped from his horse, forced the Captain into the saddle, 
in spite of his protest against availing himself of this mode of 



MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 821 

escape at the expense of the safety of his generous friend. The 
only response was: "You certainly will be taken if you remain. 
You are crippled and cannot escape. I am in full strength, and 
know every foot of these woods for miles. Don't fear for me, I 
can elude the rebels." Without another word, the generous fel- 
low disappeared, and successfully eluded the enemy. Finding 
himself thus providentially saved from the dreaded fate which 
he supposed awaited him, the Captain made all haste to escape, 
and was soon within the lines drawn up at Centreville, in suffi- 
cient force to keep ])ack the enemy. The Captain and his friends 
at home had frequent opportunities afterwards to evince their 
gratitude for this generous act. 

In this escapade only two or three of the regiment were killed, 
and forty or fifty taken prisoners. The incompetency exhibited 
by the Colonel on this occasion and subsequently, led to his dis- 
missal from the service. 

The regiment rendezvoused at its old quarters, and continued to 
garrison the forts south of the Potomac, until Gen. Grant entered 
upon his final and triumphant campaign in the spring of 1864. 
It then numbered over eighteen hundred men, and the order to 
march was received with rejoicing, any change being preferred 
to the monotony to which it had been so long subjected. Most 
of the oflicers and men had entered the service from motives of 
pure patriotism, having, with few exceptions, enlisted before the 
ofler of the large tempting Ijounties which were subsequently 
paid; and they longed to share in the glory which they believed 
awaited those who should distinguish themselves in the deadly 
strife, which they knew was inevitable. But, alas! how few of all 
these eighteen hundred strong men live to-day to wear the laurels 
which they coveted. Company F numbered one hundred and 
forfy-seven men when it left Fort Cochrane, on the morning of 
the 15th of May, and every man responded to his name at the 
first roll call in the " Wilderness." But in less than thirty days, 
and before their captain received his fatal wound at Petersburg, 
it had more than once gone into battle with less than fifty, and 
on one occasion only twenty-five were able, either because of 



21 



322 MAJ. GEOKGE S. DAWSON. 

death, wounds or excessive fiiligue, to follow their leader into 
" the imminent deadly breach." 

The Captain's first real experience of a close and sanguinary 
encounter, was in the Wilderness, when the artillery brigade was 
led against the enemy. It was in the night. The rebels were 
approaching in unknown force from an unknown quarter. Some 
of the commanding officers were as unused to the work as those 
w^ho cheerfully followed them, and in this night attack there was 
more confusion than execution. It was no matter of surprise, 
therefore, in the rapid marching and counter-marching to find 
the enemy, that friends were often mistaken for foes, and that 
our own regiments sometimes fired into each other, thus, in many 
instances, creating a panic and inextricable confusion. The 
Second found itself in this dilemma, being fired into from the rear, 
by the Seventh Artillery while pressing the enemy in front. 
While no stampede was produced by this untoward event, sev- 
eral of the Second were killed, and there followed a great deal 
of confusion and innumerable conflicting commands. 

When the enemy was repulsed, and something like order was 
restored, Captain Dawson found himself with the colors of the 
regiment and eighteen men, waiting orders. Communicating 
with Col. Whistler, then in command of the regiment, the reply 
was: " Hold your position until I rally the regiment around the 
flag." Although, in this first test battle, the Captain evinced no 
more courage than the mass of the officers and men of the regi- 
ment, the coolness and thoughtfulness which he exhibited 
attracted to him the especial attention of his Colonel, who highly 
complimented him, and who ever afterwards leaned upon him 
with the most implicit confidence, as one who could be depended 
upon in the most trying emergency. This confidence was not 
misplaced, and Col. Whistler afterwards remarked: "He neVer 
failed me. I could always trust him. He was ever ready, on 
every alarm, as if waiting for it; and at every call to arms, at 
whatever hour, his was always the first con^pany in line, himself 
at the head of it." 

The reader will remember the thrilling records of the exploits 
of "the Artillery Brigade" in the battles of "the Wilderness," 



MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 323 

while under the command of Gen. Tyler. It was, on all occa- 
sions, given the post of danger, and took a conspicuous part in 
all the terrible combats which will ever render " the Wilderness" 
memorable in the annals of the war. Wherever that brigade 
fought, the Second Eegiment did its duty, and no company of 
that regiment received higher praise than company F. 

When the Artillery Brigade was broken up, as it was at 
Spottsylvania, to give greater eiEciency to the several corps, the 
Second Regiment was placed in the famous Second Corps, Gen. 
Hancock; in the First Division, Gen. Barlow; and in the First 
Brigade, Gen. Miles — names associated with all that is chivalric, 
heroic and daring in that ever memorable, bloody and triumphant 
campaign. 

It is not the purpose of this sketch to follow its subject 
throuo-h all the minutia of his marching-s and fio-htino-s and suffer- 
ings in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania, the North Anna, the 
Tolopottomy, and so on to Coal Harbor and Petersburg. It is 
sufficient that he did his duty in all emergencies, and upon all 
occasions. When his father went to visit him at Coal Harbor, 
after the fearful battle, he met the Adjutant of the regiment in 
the regimental tent hospital, in the rear of the army, and on 
inquiring for George, the Adjutant replied: " He is well, and 
when you hear what the Colonel will tell you of his bearing in 
battle, you will be proud of him." It was, indeed, pleasant to 
his father to hear his son thus spoken of by a fellow-officer; but 
it was inexpressibly gratifying to see his men manifesting the ten- 
derest affection for him, and to hear them speak of him as their 
"brave Captain." They seemed unal^le to say enough in praise 
of him. " He always goes with us," said they, " and we are never 
hungry so long as he has a crust in his own haversack, or a six- 
pence to divide with us." 

The Colonel, on the same occasion, said : "George, as a sol- 
dier and gentleman, is all you could desire him to be. In battle 
he is calm, deliberate, and brave as a lion. I can depend upon 
him, and he has already earned his promotion." On another 
occasion the Colonel said : "The sound of the first cannon, and 
his first encounter with the enemy, seemed to change his whole 



324 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

character, and to transform him at once from youth to manhood. 
I sometimes," said the Colonel, " when in garrison, had occasion 
to hold him in check. The monotony of garrison life seemed 
unbearable to him, and the duties assigned him there, while sel- 
dom neglected, were evidently not what he coveted. He was 
constantly longing for some more active service; and since that 
active service has come, he has proven his titness for it. He rose 
w4tli the occasion, and there is nothing within the range of his 
duty in which I cannot implicitly trust him." This, coming from 
an old soldier, a graduate of West Point, who had groAvn up in 
the army, as his father and grandfather had done before him, was 
certainly high praise. The promotion which his Colonel said he 
had "earned" was conferred upon him, but the commission (of 
Major) did not reach him until after he was disabled at Peters- 
burg. The promotion was asked for by the Colonel as a reward 
for his gallantry in the field, and its reception was a source of 
satisfaction and pleasure to him in his subsequent weeks and 
months of suffering. 

The retreat of the rebel army from Coal Harbor, enabled Gen. 
Grant to move at once across the James River, and against 
Petersburgh. The Second Corps was in the advance in this move- 
ment, and was hurried forward to open the campaign in this new 
field, where, after many months of fighting, the war was to 
be brought to a successful termination. It was expected that 
the Second Corps would have been up in time to take part in 
the first movement upon Petersburg ; l)ut the guide, either un- 
wittingly or intentionally, took the wrong road, and kept back 
the corps until after the attack had been made and abandoned. 
It is painful to reflect upon the consequences of this mistake. If 
the proper eflbrt had been made, it is believed that the attack 
would have been successful, even with the force employed. But 
with the Second Corps in addition, there is no doubt that Peters- 
burg would then have fallen. For Gen. Wise afterwards boasted 
that the city was defended by raw troops, composed mostly of 
clerks, mechanics, and other civilians of the place and vicinity, 
who could not have withstood a determined and persistent attack. 
And this boast was apparently confirmed by the fact that Kuntz's 



MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 325 

cavalry penetrated the town, and it was believed that he could 

have held it if he had been properly supported by a single divi- 
sion. 

This failure gave the rebels time to reinforce from Richmond, 
and when, on the IGth, the Second Corps moved against tlie 
enemy, it Avas met l)y a formidable force, and encountered earth- 
woi"ks which prevented a rapid advance. 

On the afternoon of the l()th, the First Brigade of the Second 
Corps was ordered to advance upon a series of earthworks which 
had proved exceedingly annoying through the day. The Second 
Artillery was given a conspicuous position in this attack, and was 
moving briskly to the charge when, on reaching the crest of a 
hill within close range, it encountered a shower of shot and shell 
which compelled a halt. The havoc had been severe in the 
ranks of the regiment, and the men were lying down to escape 
the death-hail, when Capt. Dawson was directed by the Colonel 
to assist in concentrating a company (not his own) which had 
become "mixed up." 

He was engaged in this work, not legitimately belonging to 
him, but necessary for the protection of the flank of the line, 
when he received his wound. He was within a few feet of the 
Colonel, who heard the peculiar tJmd which indicated the lodge- 
ment of a Minnie ball, and seeing the Captain waver, said: "Cap- 
tain, are you hit? " The reply was: "Yes, sir, I believe I am;" 
and, before falling, he walked a few paces to a stump, which he 
took hold of and slowly let himself down behind it, as a shelter. 
Instantly, a number of his men, forgetful of their own safety in 
their anxiety and affection for him, rose from their reclining 
position and offered to bear him from the ffeld. But, aAvare of 
the almost certain death which would result to them if they 
should be permitted to do what they desired, thanking them for 
their kindness, he declined their offer and ordered them back to 
their places in the ranks, where they would be partially sheltered 
from the lire of the enemy, which was so hot and impetuous 
that it was impossible for the stretcher-bearers to render any 
assistance to the wounded. Such relief as could be extemporized 
was extended to them by those in their immediate proximity, 



326 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

but surgical aid could not be hoped for until after dark. A hasty 
examination showed that a Minnie ball had penetrated the Cap- 
tain's leg just above the left knee, glancing downwards, proving 
that the shot had been fired l)y a sharpshooter from the elevated 
position of the earth-work Avhich the regiment was facing. But 
it was deemed a mere flesh wound, and the only remark it elicited 
from the Captain was made to a wounded officer near him: " This 
books me for a thirty days' furlough," 

It was soon ascertained that other Albanians had suflered. 
Near him lay the lamented Adjutant McDonald, of the Sixty- 
first, m.ortally wounded, and Acting Lieutenant Mahar, also of 
the Sixty-first, with his leg shattered. The Adjutant lived but 
a few days. The Lieutenant suffered amputation, and for a time 
seemed getting along finely; but his constitution was too greatly 
shattered, and he died at home in October. 

It was late in the night — six hours after he had received his 
wound — before Captain Daavson could be removed. Those were 
terrible hours; not so much from the pain experienced, as because 
of the anxiety endured. The shot and shell were flying incessantly 
over the heads of the wounded, most of whom had been carried 
or had crawled over the brow of the hill. The insatiable thirst, 
which is the universal accompaniment of battle wounds, caused 
incessant appeals for water. But, as the scene was described, 
there w^ere no murmurings nor outcries. On the contrary, there 
was more of mirth than of grief manifested — each seemingly 
anxious to cheer the others in their common sufierings. The 
master anxiety during these trying hours was the fear that our 
troops might l)e overpowered, and the wounded thereby fall into 
the hands of the rebels. But while our brave fellows did not, 
during that night, accomplish their purpose, they held their 
ground, and under cover of the darkness, the wounded were 
borne to the field hospitals of their several regiments. The sur- 
geons of his regiment did what they could to ascertain the nature 
and extent of the Captain's wound, and to guard against future 
mischief. They decided, as did also the surgeons of the brigade 
and division, that the hurt, though severe, would not compel 
amputation. In twenty -four hours after receiving his w^ound, he 



MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 327 

was forwarded to the Second Corps hospital at City Point, with 
strength enough to hold in his lap the head of a poor fellow who 
had lost a leg. But whether because of the ride in an ambulance- 
for twelve miles over a rough road, or because the wound was 
really worse than had been supposed, or because of an error in 
judgment of the Corps surgeons, in twenty-four hours after he 
reached the Corps hospital, it Avas decided, on consultation, that 
the knee was so much injured that amputation was necessary. 
The announcement was made to the Captain, and his only reply 
Avas : "I am ready for Avhatever operation you may deem neces- 
sary." Amputation of the left leg immediately followed — the 
saddest reflection l^eing that, although within tAvelve miles of his 
own regiment, no friend or acquaintance was with him to comfort 
him in this hour of sorroAv and suflering. Those, however, who 
witnessed his bearing before, during, and after the operation, 
said that no one ever evinced greater fortitude or passed through 
the ordeal more cheerfully or unflinchingly. Only Divine aid 
could have so greatly sustained him during this first great sorrow 
of his life, and through the months of anguish which followed, 
before he passed away to his final rest. 

Within a few hours after the operation, he was placed on board 
the hospital steamer to be conveyed, with hundreds of others of 
the Avounded, to Washington. Although the trip was made in 
the usual time, Avhen he reached Armory Square Hospital gan- 
grene had set in, and the most unfavorable indications were 
developed. His parents reached the hospital a few hours after 
he did, and they Avere surprised at his apparent strength and 
cheerfulness. Anxious to have the opinion of the best surgeons 
in Washington, a council was held, and the decision reached 
that the case was " almost hopeless." Fortunately he fell into 
good hands, and although gangrene persistently returned at 
interA^als, at the end of four months his parents Avere permitted 
to bear him home, with the assurance that " there was not a sur- 
geon in the State so unskillful as to prevent a favorable result." 
And so, for several weeks, it seemed. He grew strong, was fre- 
quently able to ride out, and looked forAvard Avith confidence and 
hope to the time when he could take his place again Avith his 



328 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

regiment, on horseback, and be " in at the death of the rebel- 
lion." But it was not so to be. As was ascertained on a post 
mortem examination, but not dreamed of before, the bone of the 
amputated limb was so diseased, even at the time of highest 
hope, that recovery was impossil)le; and, in spite of the best 
professional skill and the most unwearied care, the young soldier 
died on the 6th of December, aged twenty-six years — live months 
and twenty days after receiving the wound. 

Although his friends are reluctant to lift the curtain which 
encircled the death bed of their son and brother, his last hours 
bore such beantiful fruit that, for the good of others, they con- 
sent that some of the pleasant incidents which preceded his death 
may be given. 

During his entire illness he had been thoughtful; and one of 
his first remarks, after his friends met him at Washington, was: 
"Oh! this is hard to bear; but. Heavenly Father, thy will be 
done." And when, after his removal to private rooms in Wash- 
ington, where the family could be together, he was never willing 
to go to sleep in the evening, until after family worship, often 
askins: if it were not time for the service. When he was form- 
ally told that he could not probably live over twenty-four hours, 
he received the announcement with perfect composure. He 
spoke to his friends cheerfully, and informed his father, minutely, 
as to the condition of his company papers. " You will find 
them all arranged perfectly," said he, " with but a single receipt 
wanting, of clothing issued on the eve of battle at Coal Harbor; 
and in regard to that, you will find full memoranda." Death 
seemed to have for him no terrors whatever. The secret of this 
calmness was revealed when his father said to him, " George, 
can you now trust the Saviour?" His reply was: " Can I trust 
the Saviour! Oh! yes, with my whole heart and soul." 

During his last night, and eighteen hours after he had been 
informed that he could not recover, he said to a friend who was 
sitting with him: " This has been the happiest day of my life, 
and you may say this to all my friends." And this was said by 
one whose Avhole life had been full of sunshine, and to whom 
the future of life was full of unclouded hope. The remark was 



MA J. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 329 

a gratifying assurance that he " knew in whom he had believed," 
and that he deemed death but a messenger sent to open to him 
the portals of a brighter and happier home. 

His last hours were so full of serenity and peace that the 
tears shed around his bedside were rather tears of joy than of 
sorrow, and the prayers offered rather the expressions of 
thanksgiving than of grief. While, at his request, the beauti- 
ful hymn, 

" Nearer, my God, to thee," 

was beinof sune: his countenance beamed with the enthusiasm of 
holy worship; and when he became unable to repeat audibly 
the words of the hymn, his lips moved in unison with the mea- 
sure of the music. A few moments before his voice failed him, 
he whispered: " O, sing to me of Heaven;" and that touching 
hymn, which he had years before printed for the Sabbath school 
with which he was connected, was sung, and he was enabled to 
join in its singing to the close. 

Requesting all but his parents to leave the room for a moment, 
he again referred minutely to his company papers, yet unadjusted, 
but which he had carefully arranged, and giving a few parting 
directions, he seemed to have nothing more to say, and com- 
menced singing, in a clear voice: 

" Nearer, my God, to thee." 

He sang through the words: 

'' E'en though it be a cross tliat raiseth me," 

when his voice failed him, and soon after, Avhispering the single 
word, " higher!" he sank to rest, as if in a quiet slumber. 

However much his parents and friends might regret that one 
so loved should be so early called away from them, there could 
be no real grief in the hallowed presence of such a death bed. 
It will be forever a blessed memory. His patriotism and bravery 
are a precious legacy. The uncomplaining patience which he 
exhibited during his months of suffering, can never he forsrotten. 
The fact that he gave his young life to perpetuate the Union 



330 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

and to secure freedom to the enslaved, will ever be a proud boast 
with those who bear his name. But his trusting faith and his 
happy death will constitute the brightest and pleasantest recol- 
lection of his brief life. 

When the intelligence of his death reached his regiment, deep 
grief lilled every heart, and this grief found but feeble expression 
in the following resolutions, adopted on the field of battle, near 
the spot where he had received his fatal wound: 

Head Quaetees Second New Yoek Aetillery. 

At a meeting of the officers and privates of Company F, Second 
New York Artillery, held at camp near Petersburg, Va., on the 
eveniiig of December 9th, 1864, the following resolutions were 
unanimously adopted: 

Whereas, It would indeed be difiicult to imagine anything cal- 
culated to diffuse or cast a deeper gloom amongst us, than the 
intelligence of the death of our late company commander, Maj. 
Geoege S. Dawson, long our associate in arms. In his skill and 
integrity, our confidence was implicit. Ever ready to alleviate 
our sufferings and contribute to our comfort, he nobly stood as 
the champion of our rights and the defender of our honor. On 
many a well contested field (ever in the van), he has shared our 
dangers and participated in our glory. In him we have lost an 
able and efficient officer, whose military skill and courage has 
won our confidence and admiration. Our loss is irreparal)le, 
inasmuch as, by long association, he became blended in our wel- 
fare. The noble and refined bearing which he at all times prac- 
ticed towards us, made us feel toward and look to him as a com- 
panion, rather than as a superior: Whereas, it has pleased the 
Almighty Ruler of the Universe to take from us our late com- 
mander, Geoege S. Dawson, it is unanimously 

Resolved, That his memory shall live within us. It will be 
nourished by the recollection of his virtues, and his valor shall 
ever be held as a pattern worthy of imitation. 

Resolved. That we fully concur in the sentiment of our Colo- 
nel, that the Second New York Artillery has, by the death of 
GEOR(iE S. Dawson, lost one of its best and bravest officers. 



MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 331 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be duly forwarded 
to family of deceased. 

(Signed) Lieut. Jajvies Chichester and others, 

Members of Company F. 

RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE 2d N. Y. VOL. ARTILLERY. 

Head Quarters 2d N. Y. Artillery, 

Before Petersburg, Jan. 14, 1865. 

Wliereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in His Providence, to 
call from this scene of war and strife to a far better and more 
peaceful land, our beloved companion, Major George S.Dawson, 
Ave cannot refrain from pouring out our sympathy with his afflicted 
family and country. 

In him the country lost a pure patriot and a brave soldier, the 
regiment and his company a noble officer and a true friend. The 
loss to his family we cannot estimate. We can onl}^, while real- 
izing, next to themselves, his loss, offer to them our heartiest 
sympathy and regard, and promise them that through the short 
remainder of our own lives, we will ever cherish, as a precious 
relic, the memory of our well beloved and departed l)rother. 

GEO. HOGG, Major, CoiiWg. 

Hugh Fitzsimmons, Lieut. 

resolutions of the typographical society. 

At a meeting of Albany Typographical Union No. 4, held on 
Wednesday evening, December 7th, the following preamble and 
resolutions were unanimously adopted: 

Whereas, Our Almighty Father, who ordereth all things ac- 
cording to the counsels of his own will, hath been pleased, in 
his inscrutable Providence, to take unto himself our fellow 
craftsman, George S. Dawson, Major of Second Artillery, New 
York State Volunteers, who had endeared himself unto us by 
his social virtues and manly qualities, and who had won our 
admiration by hi.s talents and heroic 1)ravery on the field, where, 
while gallantly leading his men in a charge upon the enemy 



332 MA J. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

before Petersburg, on the 16th of June hist, he received the 
wound which, despite long and patient watch and care, resulted 
in his death, on the 6th of December instant; therefore, 

Resolved^ That we hereby express the deep sorrow his decease 
has occasioned in our hearts, and convey to his family our sym- 
pathy with them in their bereavement. 

Resolved^ That iu token of our appreciation of our loss, the 
Charter of this Union be draped in mourning for thirty days, and 
that we attend his funeral in a body. 

GEO. W. QUACKENBUSH, President. 

G. Baker, Secretary. 

RESOLUTIONS OF COMPANY B, IOtH REGT. 

At a special meeting of Washington Continental Company B, 
held at their Armory, Wednesday evening, December 7th, the 
following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: 

WJiereas^ In the inscrutable providence of God, this company 
has again been called upon to mourn the loss of one of its mem- 
bers, Major George S. Dawson, Second New York Artillery, in 
the death of whom the ties that bound us together have now 
been severed: a sincere friend, an active soldier and a true 
patriot — one who has laid his life down on his country's altar, 
has, we trust, ere this been the recipient of an everlasting 
crown of never-fading glory iu the mansions of the skies; there- 
fore, 

Resolved^ That we tender to the family and relatives of the 
deceased our sincere condolence and heartfelt sympathy in this 
their hour of affliction. 

Resolved^ That this dispensation of Divine Providence will 
remind us that we, too, must die, and of the certain decay of all 
earthly greatness, and that " in the midst of life we are in death." 

Resolved, That we are most impressed with the fact that 
" death loves a shining mark," as is fully exemplified in the 
instance at hand. It has taken away from us one of the best 
members of our organization, one whose association with us 
developed those qualities which are the attributes of an honest, 



MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 333 

upright and generous man, one whose memory will linger with 
us until we, too, are summoned to pass through the "dark valley 
of the shadow of death." 

Resolved, That the members of this company attend the fune- 
ral of our deceased comrade, in uniform. 

Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be 

signed by the President and Secretary, and a copy transmitted 

to the family of the deceased, and published in the " Morning 

Express" and "Evening Journal." 

W. G. THORBURN, President. 
J. A. Fassett, Secretary. 

The following beautiful tribute is from the pen of Alfred B. 
Street, Esq.: 

GEORGE SEWARD DAWSON, 

MAJOR SECOND NEW YORK ARTILLERY, DIED FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED BEFORE 
PETERSBURG; JUNE 16, 1865. 

One more true hero perished ! once again 

We mourn our vernal flowers ! oh, fatal strife ! 
Our best and bravest crowd the battle-plain ! 

Carnage holds carnival ! the sword bears reign ! 

Peace droops in tears ! but not, but not in vain 
The woe ! upon it hangs our nation's life ! 
For this the living ramparts rise, for this 

The floods of living fire that wrathful dart 

From the volcano of the nation's heart ! 

And those who act their stern but holy part, 
Feel it is bliss to strive, to perish, bliss. 

And he we mourn was one of those ; he sprang 
When in his ear the land's loud war cry rang; 
Sprang from the joys of home, the opening flowers, 
The gladdening songs that make the hovering hours 
So heavenly to the young; with one brave bound 

He finds the battle's front ; a fiery flood 
Pours on his scanty band; the waves whirl round 

Our youthful Brave, — a maelstrom, seething blood, — 
But firm he stands; he breasts the dashing fire 
Until the surges pile so fierce their ire 
They hurl him back, but facing still the flow 
With brow unquailing and unfailing blow. 
Thy field, Manassas, saw no brave deeds done 
Brighter than his ! and there his first green wreath he won ! 



334 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 

And thou, 0, red and trophed Wilderness ! 

Didst see him in thy midnight depths the same 
In valiant strength ; again fierce numbers press, 

A legion, a vast legion breathing fiame. 
And he with not a score; Old Glory streams, 

With scarce a guard; to it he, burning, leaps, 
His heart its guard; once more its splendor gleams, 

Poised on that heart; the living torrent sweeps 
Upon the grand Old Banner, but he rears 

Its radiance still ; in vain that torrent heaps 
Its fury, still its starry blazon cheers 

The few brave souls around him; from his post • 

His leader, '•' Stand, until my rallied host 
Shall come !" and stand he did, and strike with heart and hand. 

All through the crimsoned Wilderness he went, 

With strengtli untiring and with soul unbent. 

All through, all through, the same young Brave, the same ! 

Through the fierce hurricane of blood and flame ! 

But thou, Petersburg ! oh, scene of dread, 

Oh, scene of dread and woe, thou saw'st him fall ! 

Death rode triumphant on the fated ball; 

Its fiery finger searched his life ! outspread 

The healing-portals, healing not for him ! 

Oh ! many were the hours, long, dreary, dim, 

He saw; and at his home, his shrouded home ! 

Hope now would smile, then painful doubt would roam 

Around his lingering, suffering couch, while there 

He lay with cheerful, meek, and patient air. 

Resigned to all. Death slowl)' came at last, — • 

'' It is my Saviour's will !" he said; then murmured. Sing 
"Nearer, my God. to Thee;" and as he passed 

'' Higher !" he said, and liigh, " higher" flew his heavenward wing. 

Such was our youthful Brave ! and such as he 
Boasts our fair land; no marvel she is free ! 
Free as the lightning round the mountain's peak ! 
Free as the air that fans Old Ocean's cheek ! 
And with a grateful, full, though bleeding heart. 

She crowns with wreaths her every hero's brow ! 
Death, conquering death, how blunted droops his dart 

To such, oh, gallant friend, oh, youthful Brave, as thou ! 

HIS BURIAL. 

The following is taken from an Albany paper of the day on 
which the last remains of the young soldier were conveyed to 
the toml): 



MAJ. GEOEGE S. DAWSON. 335 

Burial of Major George S. Dawson. — The last sad tribute 
of respect and love was paid, this afternoon, to this gallant 
young soldier and officer. Under a military escort, consisting 
of a detachment of the Tenth Regiment N. G. S. N. Y., and 
another from the Veteran Corps, the battalion under the com- 
mand of Major Stiles, his remains were taken to their last rest- 
ing place. 

The scene was solemn and imposing. As the cortege passed 
along the crowded streets, the notes of the shrill fife and the 
muffled rolling drum, sadly and solemnly announced to the casual 
observer that another brave spirit had been yielded up upon the 
altar of his country. 

The coffin was enshrouded with the flag he so much loved, and 
for which he perished. The pall bearers were officers of rank in 
the Veteran Corps and the National Guard. 

Besides the military, the funeral was largely attended by per- 
sonal friends; and the members of the Printers' Union, wno knew 
him well, united in paying the last tribute to the memory of a 
beloved companion and true friend. 

BREVET (in MEMORIAM) OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL. 

State of New York, Executive Chamber, 
Albany, Ocloher 24, 1865. 

Dear Sir — I am directed by his Excellency, Gov. Fenton, to 
forward to you a brevet commission — In Memoriam — for your 
departed son, George S. Dawson, as Brevet Lieutenant Colonel 
New York State Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious conduct 
before Petersburg, Va. 

The Governor has learned of the good conduct of your son, 
and takes pleasure in thus recognizing the valuable services he 
rendered the country in the severe trial to which it was exposed. 
Very respectfully, 

M. J. FARRELL, Col, & A, D. C. 

George Dawson, Esq., Albany, JSf. Y. 



336 MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 



XVIII. 

MAJOR EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 

Edward A. Springsteed, sou of D. Springsteed, M. D., was 
born in the city of Albany on the 31st day of January, 1840. 
He was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the Forty-third 
Regiment New York Volunteers, on the 17th day of August, 
1861, under command of Col. Francis E. Vinton. He was in 
the Army of the Potomac, First Brigade, First Division, Gen. 
VV. S. Smith, Sixth Army Corps, under Gen. Franklin. He 
participated in several skirmishes, and in the battle of Lee's 
Mills and Williamsburg; and in the seven days' light, at Golden 
Farm, Savage's Station, White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill. 

When the troops arrived at Harrison's Landing, it was found 
that his reffiment had been reduced to less than half its number. 
He, with other officers of the regiment, were mustered out as 
supernumerary, and he received an honorable discharge. 

Soon after his arrival home, he volunteered his services again, 
and was commissioned Captain in the One Hundred and Thir- 
teenth (Albany county) Regiment, under the command of Col. 
Lewis O. Morris. The regiment was mustered into the service 
of the United States Aug. 19th, 1862. Col. Morris, who had so 
soon noticed Capt. Springsteed's military qualifications, recom- 
mended him and he was promoted to the position of Major. 

The regiment left for the seat of war on the 19th, and arrived 
at Washington, District of Columbia, on the 23d of August, and 
was ordered to garrison the forts in the vicinity. Major Spring- 
steed was assigned to the command at Fort Kearney. On Dec. 
12th, 1862, the One Hundred and Thirteenth was, by an order 
of the Secretary of War, changed from inftmtry to heavy artil- 
lery. Major Springsteed was then placed in command at Fort 



MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 337 

De Russy, which command he held for several months, when he 
was again returned to Fort Kearney and appointed Brigade 
Inspector. This position he held until the departure of the 
regiment for the Army of the Potomac, JMay Kith, 1864. He 
was then placed in command of the Second Battalion of the 
regiment. This command he held in the battles of Lauren's 
Hill, Spottsylvania, Noi'th Anna, Coal Harbor, Milford Station, 
and until the charge of the First Division, Second Ami}- Corps, 
under Major General W. S. Hancock, on the defences of Peters- 
burg, made June 16th, 1864. At that time, he was wounded 
and only escaped capture by his courage and coolness. 

Major Springsteed gives an account of the battle and of his 
wound, in the following interesting letter to his father: 

Near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. 

Dear Father — I suppose that before you get this letter, you will 
have heard that I am wounded, and of course you will be very 
anxious to know how badly. I got a very painful, although slight 
wound in the small of the back. The bullet came from the riijlit 
side of me, and struck m}^ belt, cutting my pistol oW and going 
into the flesh slightly. The ring on my belt almost stopped the 
ball, or else it would have struck the spine, in Avhich case I 
should probably not have been writing this letter now. I am at 
the hospital and I think I shall be all right again in a few days ; 
in a week at the farthest. About all I require at present, is rest 
and quiet. I was with my battalion for about an hour after I 
was struck. 

I suppose you would like to know something of our move- 
ments for the last few days. We left Gaines' Hill on the night 
of the same day on which I wrote you last, and after marching 
all night, crossed the Chickahominy the next morning, and about 
six o'clock at night reached the James River at a point below 
Harrison's Landing. We laid there all the next day, and crossed 
the river at night. At one o'clock the next day, we marched 
again, and reached here on the next morning, that is, yesterday. 
We formed into line and advanced towards the enemy's works, 
under the lire of two batteries. No harm was done, however. 

22 



338 MAJ. EDWAED A, SPEINGSTEED. 

We took up a position about one thousand five hundred yards 
from the works, and remained there until six o'clock, when we 
were ordered to advance and take the enemy's works. We 
advanced under a terrible fire from the l)atteries. When we srot 
near the works, part of the line gave way, and our regiment and 
one or two others, were left alone. We advanced to within fifty 
yards of the work, when we were obliged to stop. We halted 
in a ditch which sheltered us from the enemy's fire. Soon after 
we got into the ditch, I Avas standing up looking at the enemy's 
works, when I was struck. I supposed at first that it was from one 
of our own men in the rear trying to fire, over us, but I soon found 
out that the enemy had got around our right fiank, and were 
firing at us from the rear. The enemy ordered us to surrender, 
but we held out for nearly an hour; when seeing that it was 
impossil)le to get away, I did not see anything else to do. I was 
the senior officer then, Init did not Avant to give up. The enemy 
again ordered us to surrender, and told the men to throw down 
their arms and come in and they would not fire on them. I 
ordered the men to stay where they were, but some of them 
threw down their arms and went in, and the rest soon folloAved. 
I stayed there until nearly all the men were gone; when I thought 
it better to risk the enemy's bullets than a prison. So I made a 
dash through a space which the rel)el line did not cover, and 
succeeded in getting away under a heavy fire. I am very thank- 
ful that I did get away, and that I am wounded no more. Col. 
Beaver, the brigade commander, was wounded, and the next 
connuander killed. Col. Hastings is now in command of what 
there is left of the brigade. One hundred and fifty men and 
about ten officers, are all of the regiment that can be got together 
this morning. Maj. Murphy is in command. Major Pruyn is 
missing, and I think is either killed or wounded. It was a terrible 
day for our regiment. We lost very heavily in crossing the 
field, but the men behaved splendidly. I have no doubt but that 
we should have taken the works if it had not been for stopping 
where we did, in consequence of some of the lines giving away. 

I hoj)e you will get this letter soon, so as to relieve your nn'iid 
in regard to my wound. Your afiectionatc son, EDWARD. 



MA J. EDAVARD A, SPRINGSTEED. 339 

He, with others, was taken to the army hospital at Washino- 
toii. Not having been home for a long time, he obtained a fnr- 
longh for thirty days. A few days after his arrival home, he 
learned that Lieutant Colonel Hastings had resigned. Although 
he had not recovered from his wound, he took leave of his friends 
to join his regiment, two days before his furlough expired. 
When he arrived at Washington, the National Capital was 
threatened by the rebels, and he was detained hy Gen. Augur, 
and placed in command of a brigade to defend the city. As soon 
as the danger had passed, he asked to be relieved of his brigade 
command that he might return to his regiment. His request was 
granted, not, however, until he was made the recipient of a com- 
plimentary order, for the manner in which he had conducted his 
command. 

After having left Washington, Major Springsteed wrote home 
the folio wino; letter: 

Camp near Spottsylvania, Ma^ 20, 1864. 

We left Washington Sunday, and arrived at Belle Plain the 
same da}'. The next morning I started with a part of tlie regi- 
ment for the army; arrived the next day. The rest of the regi- 
ment came up that evening. The next morning we expected a 
battle, but it ended in a skirmish, in which we took no prisoners. 
A few shells fell near us, doing no damage. 

We are in the Second Corps (Hancock's), and Tyler's Divi- 
sion. Col, Morris commanded the brigade. 

The regiment is divided into two battalions, of which I com- 
mand one, and Lieut. Col. Hastings the other. 

We were ordered out this afternoon, expecting to march aliout 
dark for some point at a considerable distance, but a little after 
four o'clock we were double-quicked to the right of the turnpike, 
where the enemy had attacked our line. We advanced through 
a piece of thick woods, and soon met the enemy. They made a 
hasty retreat before our advance, and we drove them nearly 
half a mile. Then they turned on us, and we had a sharp fight, 
in which I lost Capt. jNIorris and McCulloch killed, and Capt. 
Bell wounded in the leg, which has since been amputated. I 



340 MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 

also lost a number of men. In Col. Hastings battalion, Lieut. 
Krank was wounded in the head. The loss of men and officers 
in my battalion was the greatest. Total loss, four officers and 
forty-three men killed and wounded. As soon as this brush was 
over, we fell back a quarter of a mile, to the crest of another 
hill, and formed line ao-ain, our brio:ade having- the right, and 
Col. Tannat's the left of our division line. My battalion was in 
a very strono- position. 

We had scarcely got in position liefore Col. Tanxat's brigade 
was attacked, and had a severe fight at very close range. 
Although my left joined his right, the rebels did not attack us, 
except to drive in our skirmishers. We were relieved on this 
line about half past ten, and went farther to the right, remaining 
until daylight. The First ]Maine lost fourteen officers, and four 
hundred and sixty-one men. 

Maj. 8rRiNGsTj:ED, while in command of his regiment, bravely 
and nobly leading his men at the battle of Ream's Station, on the 
25th of August, 1^64, received a Avound from which he died a 
few minutes after. He had been promoted first to Lieutenant, 
and a fcAV days after to Colonel, but neither of these connnissions 
ever reached him. He therefore never knew that his services 
had been thus rewarded. 

The following letters relate to these commissions: 

Head Quarters 7th N. Y. V. Artillery, Camp ) 
NEAR Petersburg, Va., Aug. 1st, 1864. \ 

To Ms Excellency Horatio Seymour, 

Governor of the State of JSfetv York: 

Sir — The Colonelcy and Lieutenant Colonelcy of this regiment 

have become vacant. I have the honor to apply to you for the 

position of Colonel. Being the senior officer of the regiment, I 

naturally feel very desirous for the promotion. Believing that 

the appointment would give general satisfaction to the officers 

and men of the regiment, I respectfully urge that my request 

be granted. Your o])'t scrv't, E. A. SPRINGSTEED, 

Major 1th X. Y. V. Art., Conulg. 



MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 341 

If the Colonel is taken from the regiment, I think Major 
Springsteed shonld ])e the selection, being the senior since the 
discharge of Colonel Hastings, and the recommendations hy Col. 
Beaver and Gen. Miles, his brigade and division commanders, 
beins: such as are entitled to great weight. 
Respectfully, 

W. S. HANCOCK, 
Augiist 1st, 1864. Maj. Gen. Comdg. Second Corps. 

Adjutant GENERiVL's Office, 
Alb,\ny, Mcnj 10 t/i, 1866. 

I do hereby certify that the preceding is a true copy of the 

original on file in this office. 

J. B. STONEHOUSE, A. A. General 

Hospital First Dfvision Second Corps, } 
1st August, 1864. ] 

INIajor Springsteed having been under my connnand for some 
time, and particularly at the first assault upon Petersburg, I take 
pleasure in testifying to his gallantry, coolness and capacity as a 
commander. 

He was wounded at Petersburg. I believe his appointment 
will be a benefit to the service and to his regiment. 

JAMES A. BEAVEE, Col. UUh P. V. 

Head Quarters First Division, 
August 1st, 1864. 
Eespectfully forwarded. I endorse the recommendation of 
Colonel Beaver. 

NELSON A. MILES, Brig. Gen. Comdg. 

Head Quarters Dept. of Washington, 22d Army ) 
Corps, Washington, D. C, Aug. Uh, 1864. \ 
This is to certify that I have known Major E. A. Springsteed 
of the Seventh New York Artillery, about eighteen months, 
during which time he was under my command in the defences 
of Washington. He proved himself a good officer, one of the 
very best in the conmiand. Always faithful in the performance 



342 MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 

of his duty, sober, industrious and always attentive. I do not 
hesitate to recommend him for promotion to the Colonelcy of 
his regiment. 

J. A. HASKIXS, Lt. Col, 
A. D. C, Chief of Artillery, late Comdg. Div. 

Adjutant Gener^\i.'s Office, 1 
Albany, May 10th, 1866. ^ 

I do hereby certify that the preceding is a true copy of the 

original on file in this office. 

J. B. STONEHUSE, A. A. General 



MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART. 343 



XIX. 

MAJOR JAMES HENRY BOGART. 

James Henry Bogart was Ijorn in the city of Albany on the 
24th day of INIarch, 1831). He was the son of John Henry 
Bogart, who now resides in the city of New York. His ances- 
tors were prominent citizens of Albany for more than two cen- 
turies, and during this long period they had been identified with 
the social circles and general interests of the city. In the peril- 
ous days of the American Revolution, they discharged their duty 
to their country with patriotic ardor and with signal success. 

Ja3Ies inherited the virtues of his ancestors, and commenced 
life with a high standard of moral integrity, and of intellectual 
attainment l^efore him. He was a dutiful son, a diligent scholar, 
and a faithful friend. He was educated at the Albany Academy, 
an institution that can Ijoast of many men of high w^orth and 
eminent distinction among its graduates. On entering upon man- 
hood, he engaged in the business of engineering in company with 
his brother, now a valuable officer in the service of the United 
States Government, at Fortress Monroe. He devoted himself 
with energy to his business, and accepted with cheerfulness the 
cares and toils of life. 

As years advanced, his high integrity and appreciated charac- 
ter called him to a trust more responsible, and he was placed in 
charge of one of the desks at the Assortino- House: at that time 
an office in Albany involving each day the management of vast 
sums of money. 

In his leisure hours he souo-ht recreation in drillino; with a 
company of young associates, little dreaming then of the approach- 
ing stern realities of war. Just at that time the discipline and 



344 MAJ. JA3[ES H. BOGAET. 

achievements of the Zouaves excited areat enthusiasm amono- 
the young men of Albany, and a company was organized. Of 
that joyous band who sought at tirst only manly exercise, but 
who no))ly responded to tlieir country's call, the sepulchre of 
battle has received a fearful proportion. 

jNIr. BoGAET, besides being a youth of great promise and ardent 
patriotism, was a follower of the Saviour of the world. Attached 
to the services of the Episcopal church, he became a meml)er as 
well as an attendant, and throughout life retained his fellowship 
with that church. Those who knew him intimately, reflect now 
with great satisfaction upon the fact, that the even tenor of his 
life flowed on with his Christian principles, and that the church 
recognized him as one of those who gave a living testimony to 
the truth as it is in Jesus. 

But when the cry of war was heard, the heart of Mr. Bogart 
responded to the call. He believed in the life of a soldier, and 
as he had shared in the pageant, he accepted the reality. 

So highly were his character and qualifications appreciated, 
that he was at once commissioned as Adjutant in Col. Vinton's 
Regiment. Several of our prominent citizens presented him 
with a l)eautiful sword and other tokens of their warm, personal 
friendship. The folloAving correspondence passed between these 
friends and Major Bogart : 

To Major James H. Bogart : 

In this time of our country's sorest need, we feel an especial 
pride and joy in those of our own citizens, who have been swift 
to fly to her defence and to lay their noblest offerings upon her 
altar. We cannot forget those who, having cheerfully borne the 
exposure of the camp and the perils of the battle-field, are ready 
still, with unfaltering courage, to go where other trials and other 
sacrifice await them. 

And in presenting to you this sword, and other tokens of our 
personal friendship, as well as appreciation of past services, we 
would express our earnest hope that, under the guidance of the 
God of Battles, the future may be still more glorious than the 



MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART. 345; 

past; and that whether by an active life or in an honorable death, 
the name of Jas. H. Bogakt nia}^ be like that of the heroes of 
old, " without fear and Avithout reproach." 

GIDEON HAWLEY, 

J. H. TEN EYCK, 

PETER GANSEVOORT, 

MARIA PUMPELLY, 

C. M. SANDERS, 

MATILDA F. VAN RENSSELAER, 

SARAH LANSING, 

A. CRAWFORD, 

F. TUCKER. 
Albany, October 8, 1862. 

Hon. Gideon Hawley and others : 

Hon. and Respected Sir — Accept my grateful acknowledg- 
ments for the honor bestowed in presenting me with those beau- 
tiful emblems of your esteem and confidence, and may they ever 
be consecrated to the cause of Freedom, Justice, and Humanity. 
With earnest devotion, may this glittering weapon be wielded 
in defence of our glorious Union, and may the time soon arrive 
when the nation shall know war no more. 

Through you, permit me to retui-n thanks to other kind friends 
for this high personal favor. 

With sentiments of deep respect, 

Sincerely yours, 

JAMES H. BOGART, 
Major 3d Metropolitan Guards 1G2(Z JSF. Y. V. 
New York, October 11, 1862. 

After having faithfully served his country in connection with 
this regiment, and passed through the hardships of the Virginia 
campaign, he resigned his position as Adjutant. Soon, however, 
he was again in the service as Major in Col. Benedict's regiment, 
a body of men whose valor and achievements reflected great 
honor upon the sons of Albany. 

The regiment was ordered to Louisiana, a State that had been 



346 MAJ. JAMES H. BOGAF.T. 

singularly fatal to his immediate kindred, as one relative after 
another had gone there, and met the last summons. 

In the fierce siege of Port Hudson, Mr. Bogart was one of 
those on whom fell the heat of that terrible series of battles. 

The enemy, in their powerful entrenchments, sustained by the 
hope that Vicksburg could not be conquered, made this siege a 
work of destruction. Their fire swept the plain, and the record 
of each day's progress was written in the sad sacrifice of human 
life. 

On Sunday, the 14th of June, 1863, a day when at least pious 
and God-fearing soldiers are most reluctant to fight, except in 
self-defence, Maj. Bogart was ordered to advance against the 
enemy. He marched across the plain, where showers of shot 
were falling, and was struck by a shell, which tore away his sword 
hilt, and carried it through his left hip. He felt that the assault 
was well nigh desperate, and all his feelings revolted against a 
Sabbath day attack upon that stronghold. But obedience and 
courage ai"e the duties of a soldier, and in no breast did they 
burn with a purer flame than in that which was now heaving with 
its last breath. Far from a Christian home, and dear relatives 
and friends, at eleven o'clock on that Sabbath, dies ]\Iaj. James 
Bogart, of Albany, in the twenty-fourth year of his age. 

When sixteen years of age, he united with the church of 
Christ, and ever lived faithful to his Christian vows. As a boy, 
JiUiES was pure minded, truthful, aft'ectionate and obedient. He 
loved his home, loved his parents and devoted relatives. But 
he also loved his country; and at the first tidings of rebellion, 
the spirit of patriotism awoke in his breast, and he consecrated 
himself to the protection and welfare of his country. His remains 
lie in the Albany Eural Cemetery, by the side of other heroes, 
waiting the last trumpet's peal, when to all believers in Jesus, 
this corruptible will put on incorruption, and this mortal be 
clothed with immortality. 

The following account of his funeral appeared in the "Albany 
Journal," under date of March 22d, 1864. 

"The funeral of ]Major James H. Bogart, of the One Hundred 
and Sixty-second liegiment, took place from St. Peter's Church 



MAJ. J^UIES H. BOGAET. 347 

this afternoon. The serviecs at the church were conducted by 
the Rectors, Rev. INIessrs. AVilsox and Tatlock. 

"The funeral escort consisted of a detachment of volunteers 
from the Barracks, under comnumd of jNIajor Van Slyck, pre- 
ceded by Schreiber's band. 

"The bearers were all otiicers in the service, Messrs. Watson, 
Raymond, Green, Gross, Lennox, Russell, Thomas and 
Gregory. 

"The corteoi;e passed down kState street to Broadway, about 
four o'clock, on its way to the cemetery." 

The following notices of the deceased appeared in the papers: 

" His friends have till this morning rather hoped than dared 
to believe that there might, in the confused rumors of war, be 
some doubt of his death. But the contirmation, as the first 
tidings, comes from a source too sure and careful for error. 
There is no eulogy born of the grave, even of a battle grave, to 
be uttered of this young soldier, which would not have been 
spoken of him while in the flush of life. It is not through the 
curtain of the shroud that the truth of virtue is clearest seen. 
His life was that of a pure and true hearted man. When the 
first breath of war reached us, his heart gave its impulses to his 
country, and l)elieving in the right and chivalry of the struggle, 
he was one of those who went to arms with a thought that under- 
stood the hour and had the heart to meet it. His kindred saw 
in his nature that which was true, earnest, sanguine. They gave 
him up to his country's service with the consciousness that the 
camp and the battle field work their dread results most deeply, 
into genial and generous hearts as his was. 

"He won our love by that which, in a young heart, always 
attaches men for its rarity — the devotion to home, the attachment 
to parents, the determination for independence, and that which 
rises from the memories of the ffi-ave, like the Ano-el of the 
Resurrection — the clothing of a young heart in the bosses and 
with the promises of the Gospel. 

"Grief has but a limited vocabulary. The words are few and 
broken in which the heart tells its lamentation. Solitude and 
sorrow blend their shadows. He shall have the never-forgotteu 



348 MAJ. JAMES H. BOGAET. 

memory of an mifeigned love, and that will not obtrude itself: 
but he has in this city, amidst his associates, in the assemblage 
of the young, in the association of his church, those who know 
that the holocaust which these days are ofiering, includes no 
worthier name than of him who thus died in his duty. 

Sentinel." 

"Killed in the attack upon Port Hudson, June 14, James H. 
BoGAET, of Albany, Major of the One Hundred and Sixty-second 
Regiment New York State Volunteers, in the twenty-fourth year 
of his age. 

" The spirit of a gallant soldier, and, nobler name, of a Chris- 
tian man, passed away when this young otficer fell. Death came 
to him in ^n assault which he felt to be well nigh desperate; 
another offering to the demon of war made on the day sacred to 
the Prince of Peace. Has it ever occurred to those responsible 
for this bloody fight that the time chosen for it might have some- 
thing to do with its ill-success? From the age of sixteen Major 
BoGART was a communicant of the Church, and was faithful to 
his Christian vows. There are consolations, thus, for those who 
mourn his departure. They can, with good reason, believe that 
the natural body sown in his far-off lonely grave, will be raised a 
spiritual body, in the awakening of the dead in Christ." 



MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE. 349 



XX. 

MAJOR WILLIAM WALLACE. 

Major Wallace was the son of Christopher Wallace and 
Catharine Dinnen, and born in the city of Albany January 8th, 
1835. His parents were natives of Ireland, and have been 
respected citizens of Albany for the last forty j^ears. The sub- 
ject of this sketch received his education in a district school in 
this city, Avhere he made great proficiency in his studies. He 
was a bright, active, mannerly boy, obedient and respectful to 
parents and teachers, and grew up to manhood having the same 
traits prominent in his character. At an early age he entered 
the job printing office of Messrs. Weed, Parsons & Co., in this 
city, where he served successively as apprentice, journeyman and 
foreman of that extensive establishment; and with the exception 
of a few months, continued his connection with that firm up to 
the day he resigned, for the purpose of raising a company of vol- 
unteers for the Army of the Union. In doing this, he was 
actuated wholly by patriotism, and a sense of the duty that he 
owed his country, in preserving her institutions. 

Perhaps the only act of disobedience he committed towards 
his parents in his Avhole life, was in giving up his situation, and 
leaving his wife and only child, to assume the hardships and risk 
of a military life in a time of war, which, as they apprehended, 
lost to them a son, to his wife, a loving, kind, dutiful husband, 
and left his only child (a promising boy), an orphan. 

He commenced and was not long in raising a company of volun- 
teers in Albany; and, being very popular among firemen, prin- 
ters, and indeed every class of young men in the city, he was 
not long in raising the number required to entitle him to the 
commission of Captain, which he obtained in September, 1862. 



350 MAJ. WILLIAM AV ALL ACE. 

His company was known as Company F, and, at the time of his 
leaving Albany for the seat of war, consisted of eighty-four men, 
only live or six of whom were left to return to Alban^^ and relate 
their experience of the war. Four other All)anians, namely, 
VisscHEK, Neavman, Mitchell and Burhans started at the time 
he did to raise each a company of volunteers, but Wallace raised 
his in the quickest time, and by that means became the senior of 
tliose captains in the regiment. 

After joining the Army of the Potomac, his first engagement 
with the enemy was at Fredericksburg, in December, 1862, and 
the second at the same place in May, 1863. Here he was taken 
prisoner, and marched to Richmond, where he was confined a 
prisoner of war, in Libby prison, for more than six weeks, and 
until an exchange of prisoners was effected by the commanders 
of the two armies. On the march to Richmond, and while con- 
fined in the Libby prison, he suftcred great hardship and priva- 
tion. After rejoining his reoiment, he soon after eniyaijed in the 
battle of Gettysburg, July, 1863. Shortly after this, he was 
ordered to Elmira, N. Y., upon recruiting service, in which he 
proved quite successful. After serving at Elmira for several 
months, he was ordered to join his regiment, which he did at 
Brandy Station, Va., where he remained during the winter, and 
until the opening of the spring campaign, with Gen. Grant in 
command of the Army of the Potomac. 

Early in the month of April, 1864, he received the commission 
of Major from Gov. Seymour, to take rank from the 1st February 
before. 

It will be recollected that on the memorable 4th May. 1864, 
the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Grant, crossed the Rnpi- 
dan. As soon as it was fairly across the river, and before Gen. 
Grant had time to put his army in fighting position, he was 
opposed by Gen. Lee, and a heavy column under Longstreet. 
A desperate and bloody fight was the consequence, thousands of 
lives being lost, and thousands of prisoners taken on both sides. 

On the night between the 5th and 6th of Ma}^ Maj. Wallace 
was in charge of a line of pickets, extending between the tAvo 



MAJ. WILLIAM W^yi,LACE. 351 

armies, and hy some mistake or blunder, a New Jersey regiment, 
supposing them the enemy, opened a heavy tire npon the line. 

Maj. W., in his endeavors to correct the fatal mistake (fatal to 
others), and save himself and his conmiand from total destruc- 
tion, had a most providential and narrow escape. Several of his 
men Avere shot down b}^ their friends, and the full extent of loss 
by this blunder has never been ascertained. 

On the day following, the battle of the " Wilderness" raged 
in its full fury, and thousands of the Union army lay dead and 
dying on the ensanguined held. On the afternoon of 6th May, 
while in front of his command, and leading them on to death or 
glory, poor Major W. met his fate. He was killed by a gun shot 
wound in the head, and is not known to have uttered a word 
aftei-Avards. The senior field officers of the regiment, Col. Wil- 
son and Lieut. Col. Fryer, also Albanians, had previously been 
carried from the field mortally wounded. The Forty-third Eegi- 
ment was distinguished for the gallantry of its officers and men, 
and had been frequently selected for posts of extra hazard and 
danger, by which means it became decimated, whilst other regi- 
ments escaped the peril. Not long previous to Colonel Wilson 
being carried from the field, he, Lieut. Col. Fryer and Major 
Wallace were noticed lunching together under the shadoAv of 
a tree. This was the last repast either of the brave men ever 
partook of, in this world. 

Major W., as has already been said, was, from his childhood, 
moral and sedate. Reticent in manner, he was, nevertheless, 
witty, genial and agreeable in company. Pie had read a great 
deal, and Avas well informed on most ordinary sul)jects. His 
t^istc for reading, combined with his occupation of printer, gave 
him facilities for improvement not possessed by other young 
mechanics. He was brought up in the Catholic religion, and 
was a zealous, sincere Catholic Christian throughout his whole 
life; giving proof of the sincerity of his faith, by a strict 
observance of the doctrine and discipline of that church, down 
to the da}^ of his death. The Catholic Chaplain of General 
Meagher's Brigade frequently'- was the guest of Major W. in 
camp. Owing to the location, and the circumstances attendant 



So 2 MAJ. WILLIAM W^VLLACE. 

upon the groat battle of the "Wilderness" (the rebels retaining 
for a long time, the possession of the field within their lines), 
it was impossible for his friends to recover the body of the 
deceased at that time. It has since been ascertained that his 
remains, with those of other brave Union men, and rebels, were 
buried, promiscuously, on the Held, leaving no mark or trace 
by which his grave could be discovered, or his person iden- 
titied. 

Major Wallace was a prominent leading member of the 
Typographical Society of Albany, and, at one time. President. 
He was also a delegate from that body to a National Convention 
of Printers, composed of delegates from a large number of the 
States of the Union. He was, besides, an active, energetic mem- 
ber of the fire department of the city t'ov several years, having 
served in Hook & Ladder No. 2, and was Secretary and Foreman 
of that association at difierent periods. 

The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by difier- 
ent bodies, expressive of the high esteem in which our hero was 
held by his fellow citizens: 

ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL. 

Monday Evening, 3/«7/ 30th, 1864. 

Alderman Johnson, from the committee heretofore appointed 
on the subject, ofiered the following resolutions, which were 
unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That the Common Council on behalf of the citizens 
of Albany, deem it their duty to place upon record a memorial 
of their grief and respect for the gallant and patriotic Major 
William Wallace, who fell fighting for his country in the battle 
of the "Wilderness," on the Gth May inst. 

Born in our city, on the outl^reak of the war he raised a com- 
pany for the Forty-third Eegiment N. Y. S. V., being then twenty- 
seven years of age, and Avas among the first to march to the field. 
He encountered not only the dangers of battle but endured the 
horrors and privations of the Libby prison. He had just attained 
the rank of Major when he gave his life to his country, on the 
dark and bloody ground of the "Wilderness." 



MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE. 353 

Resolved, That in the estimatioii of this Common Council, the 
youthful hero, whose public life presents so noble a record, and 
whose personal career was virtuous and honorable, deserves the 
highest honors Avhich a grateful people can ofter to its patriot 
dead. His body is buried on the distant battle field, but his 
memory is cherished in the hearts of our people. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the minutes 
of the Common Council, and printed, and that copies l)e sent to 
the family of the deceased, and to his surviving comrades in his 
regiment. 

JAMES I. JOHNSON, 
LEGRAND BANCROFT, 
JOHN KENNEDY, Jr., 
Committee. 

ALBANY TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION. 

At the first regular meeting (June 2) of Albany Typographical 
Union, held since the sad intelligence was received of the death 
of Major Wallace, the following resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : 

Whereas, We have learned with deep sorrow of the death of 
our former President, Major William Wallace, who was killed 
whilst in the performance of his duty, during the recent brilliant 
movements of the Army of the Potomac : therefore 

Resolved, That the lamented deceased was endeared to us by 
the purity and gentleness of his character, respected for his 
unobtrusive talents, and admired for his unselfish patriotism. 

Resolved, That by his death our country has lost an ardent 
defender — our city a public spirited and honorable citizen, and 
our society an energetic and useful member. 

Resolved, That Ave sincerely sympathize with the Avidow and 
relatives of our deceased friend in their great affliction — trusting- 
that the nobleness of his death in defence of his country may, in a 
measure, alleviate their sorrow. 

Resolved, That the Charter of this Union he draped in mourn- 
ing for the usual period: and that these resolutions be trans- 

23 



354 MAJ. AVILLI^yVI WALLACE. 

mitted to the family of deceased, and duly spread upon the 

minutes. . GEOEGE W. QUACKENBUSH, 

President. 
James O'Sullivan, Recording Secretary. 

HOOK AND ladder COMrANY, NO. 2. 

At a special meeting of "Red Jacket" Company, Hook and 
Ladder No. 2, held at their house on the 19th day of May, 1864, 
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

Resolved^ That we have heard, with deep regret, of the death 
of Major William Wallace, former Foreman, and Honorary 
member of this company', who was killed while marching with 
his regiment on to victory, in the late battles in Virginia. 

Resolved, That in the death of Major Wallace, this company 
has lost a warm and kind friend; his wife a loving and dutiful 
husl)and; his son a loving father; his parents a faithful son; the 
country a true and faithful servant. 

Resolved, That our former intercourse with him, as an officer 
and member, is full of pleasant recollections; and that while we 
cherish his memory and mourn his fate, our sorrows are mingled 
with pride, that he laid down his life in defence of our beloved 
country. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his family, parents 
and relatives of the deceased, and trust that to the condolence of 
earthly friends, there may be added the Heavenly consolations 
of Him " who givetli and taketh away," for his w^se, though 
inscrutable purposes. 

Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be engrossed, and 
presented to the widow of the deceased; and that this house be 
draped in mourning for the space of thirty days. 

(Signed.) M. A. SHEHAN, Foreman. 

N. A. FINNEGAN, Secretary. 



MAj. MILES Mcdonald. 355 



XII. 

MAJOR MILES McDONALD. 

This officer was l)orn in the city of Albany, on the first day 
of March, 1840. He was the son of James and Mary McDon- 
ald, Avho came to this city from Ireland. His father died when 
he was a child. From his boyhood till his entry into the service 
in 1861, he was employed in the telegraph office, at a small 
salary, with which he assisted his widowed mother to support 
the younger children. 

He joined Company K, Sixty-third Regiment New York Vol- 
unteers, as a private, in September, 1861, and proceeded at once 
with his rejjiment to Yirainia. He followed its fortunes throug-h 
the Peninsula campaign, under Gen. McClellan, and also fought 
at Antietam. He was promoted first to Corporal, then to First 
Sergeant, and, after Antietam, to a Second Lieutenancy, for valor 
in that great battle. He fought at Fredericksburg:, and was 
wounded on the 17tli of December, 1862, in that action. He 
remained with the Army of the Potomac after lacing promoted 
to First Lieutenant and Adjutant, and was a second time 
wounded at Spottsylvania. On the 17th of June, 1864, he died 
from wounds received the day before, in charging the enemy's 
works in front of Petersburg. 

On the 11th of June, 1864, he was commissioned Major of his 
regiment; but his commission had not reached him at the time 
of his death. 

The following account of Major McDonald appeared in the 
Albany " Morning Express," on Tuesday, June 21st, 1864: 

DEATH OF adjutant MILES McDONALD. 

We have become so accustomed to hear of the death of friends 
in the army, that it would almost seem that the frequent receipt 



356 MAJ. MILES McDOXALD. 

of such painful intelligence would, to a certain extent, blunt our 
sensibilities, and fail to excite those emotions of sympathy and 
sorrow that, in the ordinary course of life, follow the decease 
of those Ave hav^e known and loved. And yet, whenever the 
swift electric messenger communicates to us that another brave 
fellow has sacrificed his life upon the altar of his country, how 
painfully sad are the reflections that arise. Death loses none of 
its terrors to those who are far away from the field of desolation 
and carnage, even though day after day we receive intelligence 
of the inevitable results of desperate and bloody conflicts. The 
loss of a relative or friend, whenever it may occur, must always 
cast a cloud over the brightest vision, bringing in its train woe 
and mourning. 

Miles McDox.\ld is dead! So the telegraph announced to us 
at an early hour Monday morning. And he died while battling 
with the enemies of his country and liberty. Yes, he, too, has 
fallen a victim to the accursed reliellion that has swept away so 
many of the best and bravest of our people. While engaged 
with the enemy in the l^attle before Petersburg, Thursday last, 
he fell mortall}^ wounded, and subsequently his bright spirit 
sped its way to that Great Ruler from whence it came. He was 
a noble fellow, and as pure a j^atriot as ever oflered up his life in 
defence of the liberties of the people. When the Sixty-third 
Kegiment was organized, full of the enthusiasm and ardor that 
distinguished his devotion to his country, he enlisted as a pri- 
vate, and marched to the l^attle field. 

It was in Octo1)er, 1861, he enrolled his name as a member 
of Capt. BpvANAgan's company, and when he left us the best 
wishes and earnest prayers of hosts of friends, that he might be 
preserved from the perils and dangers of a soldier's life, went 
with him. There was no truer man in the ranks of that gallant 
regiment. His many noble traits of character soon made him a 
uniAxrsal favorite, and for his gallantry and heroic bravery at the 
battle of Antietam, he was promoted to a second Lieutenancy. 
His promotion excited the most profound satisfaction among his 
comrades, who had leai-ned to love him as a brother. At the 
first battle of Fredericksburg he was wounded, and soon after 



MAJ. MILES McDOX.\LD, 357 

•was promoted to a lirst Lieutenancy, as a reward for meritorious 
conduct. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Adjutancy of the 
regiment; and it was while acting in this capacity, before Peters- 
burg, he Avas killed. He was but twenty-four years of age, and 
yet he was a most skillful and accomplished officer; and, had his 
life been spared, would probably have very soon been appointed 
Major of the regiment. When a boy, he entered the service of 
the New York, All)any and Bullalo Telegraph Company as a 
messenger, and retained that position for several years, winning 
for himself the good opinion of the officers of the company, and 
of the patrons of the line with whom he was brought in contact. 
After surrendering this situation, he went to New York and 
accepted a clerkship, which he held until a short time previous 
to his enlistment in the Sixty-third Regiment. Although he 
never enjoyed the advantage of a high school education, he was 
possessed of fine natural talents, and his letters to us show him 
to have been gifted with more than ordinary ability. His last 
epistle to us was published by us on the 2d inst., and will be 
remembered by all our readers, as one of the most interesting 
communications that ever appeared in our columns. 

How peculiarly painful is the following paragraph, clipped 
from that last letter: 

" If then the brave are mourned so deeply by their comrades 
in battle, who can paint the feelings of anguish and woe expe- 
rienced by their families and friends at home, when the dread 
news appear in the pul)lic print, with the short but fatal word, 
'killed,' placed after the name of a husl)and, father, son or 
brother. No more will the light tread of the departed cross the 
threshold, watching Avith bounding heart the delight of the fire- 
side group, eager to welcome the returning soldier. In place 
of joyous meetings, we find nothing but lonely graves, in some 
sunny spot of this once beautiful State, where it is affecting to 
mark with what simple kindness the surviving soldier buries his 
fallen comrade, selecting with nice care a favorite spot, as if to 
allure the first bright light of the rising sun, to kiss the grassy 
mounds, before its pure rays should rest upon any other object. 
There is something beautiful in a soldier's grave. From its sim- 



358 MAj. MILES Mcdonald. 

plicity alone, it is more beautiful. The rustic head board, hastily 
penciled, speaks more of patriotism and love of country than all 
the monuments of cold marble, chiseled into most majestic form, 
by the skillful hands of the artist." 

Those were the sentiments of Miles McDonald, the true- 
hearted soldier and noble patriot. He noAv tills a soldier's grave, 
and may "the bright light of a rising sun ever kiss the grassy 
mound before its pure rays rest upon any other object," is the 
heartfelt wish of one who knew him from childhood, and has 
watched, with pride and pleasure, his advancement in life. 

It was l)ut yesterday morning his mother received a letter 
from him, and while a brother was perusing its welcome pages, 
the anxious mother, carefully scrutinizing the columns of the 
"Express," discovered that short but fatal word, "killed," in 
connection with the name of her dearly beloved child. The 
agony of that discovery no tongue can tell. Let us draw a veil 
over the sorrow-stricken home of the dead hero, and pray God 
that the heart-broken mother, and those now bowed down with 
grief, may receive that consolation which he who afflicts can 
alone aftbrd. 

LINES ON THE DEATH OF MILES McDONiVLD, ADJUTANT SIXTY-THIRD 
EEGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS. 

BY DR. LAWRENCE, SURGEON OF THE REGIMENT. 

Adjutant McDonald, says Dr. Reynolds, was with the Army 
of the Potomac in every battle from Yorktown, under General 
Geo. B. McClellan, to Petersburg, under Gen. U. S. Grant. 
He was wounded twice previous to his death wound — at Freder- 
icks])urg, December 13, 1862, and at Spottsylvania, May, 1864. 
He died eight hours after he was wounded, and his last words 
were, when told by the surgeon that he could not survive : "I 
am satisfied; God's will be done !" 

Toll tlie bell sadly, the yoiinsi and the beautiful 
Now lies a pale corpse in the scenes he held dear; 

Toll the bell sadly, the brave and the dutiful, 
"War's victim, before us, is stretched on the bier. 



MAJ. MILES McDOXALD. 359 

The face that we looked on with pride and with pleasure, 
From the eyes that admired it, full soon will be gone, 

And that form, late the shrine of the world's best treasure^ 
A bold loyal spirit is lifeless and wan. 

Toll the bell sadly, and toll the bell loudly ! 

The wailings to drown of the friends of the brave — 
Wlio pictured his pathway to glory so proudly, 

But who weep that fame's pathway led him to the grave. 

Friends of his youth, and his manhood, round standing, 
On him through your tears come now look your last, 

On that mouth, once so smiling, that brow so commanding, 
Ah! that eye by the signet of death is sealed fast. 

Sad are your hearts — sad the sisters, the brothers. 

The fond ones he lived for, he doated upon; 
But what is their grief to the grief of his mother, 

"Who weeps o'er the corpse of her young gallant son ? 

"Weep, he was worthy your pride and your mourning, 

"Weep, though your tears are as painful as vain; 
"Weep, for no more from war's perils returning, 

"Will he rush to your arms and embrace you again. 

McDonald, when lifo-blood in torrents was flowing, 

"Was first in the charge of our loud-cheering band ; 
On our lines, when their shells the foemen were throwing 

Impulsively brave, and unconsciously grand! 

Yet was he gentle, and kind as a maiden, 

Full of frolic and mirth, generous-hearted and free, 
And many a heart that with trouble was laden, 

Grew bright in his sunshine, and glad in his glee. 

There hang the green flags he gaily marched under, 

There is tlie cap — there his belt and his sash, 
And there is the sword which when bellowed war's thunder, 

In the hand that's now lifeless, would quiver and flash! 

Yes, scatter sweet flowers where valor reposes, 

They are trophies becoming the brave soldier's bier; 
And freshen your lilies and brighten your roses 

"With love's liquid gem, with affection's sad tear. 

"^"ell, he was worthy our praise and our sorrow. 

His country's remembrance and friendship's sad sigh, 

Only from this, some relief can we borrow. 
The spirit survives though the body must die. 

He has stamped on our bosom love's unfaded token. 
And time will but make liis remembrance more dear, 

Whenever we meet his loved name shall be spoken, 
"When alone, we shall think of his worth with a tear. 



360 >L\j. MILES Mcdonald. 

Yes, when marble shall crumble and carved work be rotten, 
Tliat repels passers-by from the haughty man's clay, 

Good Miles McDonald shall not be forgotten, 
His name and his virtues shall not pass away. 

This country, when crushed shall be this sad rebellion, 
His name shall enroll 'mid her bravest and best, 

And his soul in the bosom of God shall be dwelling, 
Where sorrow is soothed and the weary have rest. 

Toll the bell sadly, the crowd is now moving 

That bears to his last home the corpse of the brave 
Then let the pen of the poet, and the living, 

Inscribe tiiese true lines on the patriot's grave ; 
" Here lies McDonald, a soldier true hearted 

As ever for freedom the battle-field trod; 
Here lies a Christian, who calmly departed 

And unmurmuring gave his young spirit to God!" 

In Camp, near Petersburg, Va., July 9, 1864. 



MAJ. GEORGE AY. STACKHOUSE. 361 



XXII. 

MAJOR GEORGE WASHINGTON STACKHOUSE. 

George W. Stackhouse was the son of John B. Stackhouse, 
and, in the spring of 1861, enlisted as Second Lieutenant in 
Company A, Twenty-fifth New York Regiment. He was after- 
wards made Captain, and in March, 1863, for his gallantry and 
efficiency, was promoted to the position of Major, in the Ninety- 
first Regiment New York Volunteers. He was with General 
Banks, and fought with great bravery in the battles at Irish 
Bend, Gonzales' Plantation, and in the three general battles at 
Port Hudson. On the 27th of May, 1863, he was shot in both 
thighs, and lingered until June 19th, 1863, when he died. He 
leaves fond parents, and a wife and four little children to mourn 
his loss. 

Major Stackhouse was a faithful and earnest patriot, and an 
honest man. His soldiers placed the greatest confidence in him, 
and entrusted him with their money to send home. He sent 
tens of thousands of dollars to his father, who kindly dis- 
tributed the same to the families of the soldiers. When the 
war closed, the veterans who returned presented to the father, 
Mr. John B. Stackhouse, a valuable and beautiful watch, as a 
token of their gratitute for his faithful services. 

Major Stackhouse had two brothers in the army, James and 
WiLLiAJvi. They were in the battles with him at Port Hudson, 
and, on June 19th, 1863, James was badly wounded in the head, 
but recovered from his wound. 

I regret that I have been unable to obtain fuller information in 
regard to this patriotic family, for they certainly deserve a more 
extended sketch than this. But in the name of our city, our 
State antl our Nation, we tender to the survivors our heartfelt 
thanks, for their noble contributions to our country's honor and 
prosperity. 



362 ADJT, RICHARD M. STRONG. 



XXIII. 

ADJUTANT RICHARD MARVIN STRONG. 

From Abraham Lansing, Esq. 

Richard Marvin Strong was the second son of Anthony M. 
and Sarah M. Strong. He was born in the city of All)any, June 
10th, 1835, and died in the military service of the United States, 
at Bonnet Carre, La., May 12th, 1863. 

He received the elements of his education at the Albany Acad- 
emy, which he entered at an early age, while it was yet under 
the supervision of the late Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, and remaining 
there durins; the succeeding:: administration of Dr. Willaim H. 
Campbell, and for a short time under Prof. G. H. Cook. 

When, in 1851, Dr. Cajvipbell resigned his charge in Albany', 
Richard had made most valuable progress in his academic 
course, and was nearly fitted for college. Few connected Avith 
the Academy at that time will fail to remember the class of 
young men, well advanced in study — the senior class of the 
school — which the Doctor had gathered under his especial care, 
and particularly instructed in the classics and belles lettres. 
Undoubtedly the instruction thus received hy those young men, 
who daily went before their principal with unfeigned alacrity, 
and with the esteem and affection of children towards a father, 
exerted an important influence upon their moral, as well as their 
intellectual characters. Certain it is that there is not an instance 
in which the subsequent life of any member of the class has put 
to the blush its moral training. Its majority are still reaping 
the earthly benefit of its admirable discipline, and delight to 
recall its pleasant associations. As a member of that class, 
Richard's standing was second to none. The impressions he 
then received, and the habits then formed, partially furnish the 
explanation of his remarkal^ly pure and upright life, and of the 



ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 363 

accuracy, industry and thoroughness Mhich distinguished him in 
all his relations. 

In 1851, he received from the Academy for his i)roficiency in 
mathematics, the Caldwell gold medal, and at the same time 
his friend and companion, Charles Boyd, received the Van 
Eensselaer classical medal. These rewards of scholarship were 
presented by the principal (Dr. Campbell) at the anniversary 
exhibition, with evident pride and satisfaction. "These young 
gentlemen," said he, as they stood before him on the stage, " have 
never o-iven me a moment's uneasiness throuo-hout all their 
academic course." They both entered the junior class, at the 
college of New Jersey, at Princeton, in 1852, and as they had 
graduated from the preparatory school with the highest honors, 
so they took at once the rank of the first scholars in their class. 
They became members of the same literary society, were room- 
mates together, and in 1854 graduated together; the one pro- 
nouncing the valedictory, the other the mathematical oration, 
the first and third honors of a large and intellijjent class. 

As a student Mr. Strong endeared himself to his class-mates 
by his companionable and social qualities, as well as won their 
admiration by his ability as a scholar. Prof. Stephen Alex- 
ander, of Princeton College, says of him, in a recent letter: 

"He greatly distinguished himself by his attainments in 
scholarship while a member of this institution. The college 
records exhibit his final standing (at his graduation) to have been 
third in his large class, and within the veriest fraction of the 
second position. Those who knew^ his previous history as an 
academy boy, will not be surprised to learn that the honorary 
oration assigned to liim was the mathematical. Of his unexcep- 
tionable conduct and his kind and genial manners, I have still a 
lively recollection." 

During his senior vacation he was invited by Prof. Alexander, 
who was acting in connection with a large committee of the 
American Association for the Advancement of Science, to accom- 
pany him to Ogdensburgh as an assistant in an observation of the 
annular eclipse of the sun in May, 1854, and accompanied him 



364 ADJT. EICHARD M. STROXG. 

together with Mr. William J. Gibson, to assist in those important 
observations. Prof. Alex^ynder, in his report, says: 

"I was assisted in my observations hy two of my former 
pnpils in the college of New Jersey, Messrs. William J. Gibson 
and Richard M. Strong, both of Albany, New York. Their 
presence with me, was not only a matter of sincere personal 
gratification, but was important also, as we were together enabled 
to note some phenomena which might otherwise have escaped 
me, and they by their aid contributed not a little to the accurate 
observation of those which I might have noted if alone." 

A single incident of the college life of Adjutant Strong, will 
serve to illustrate the force and fearlessness of his character, even 
at that early age. He had been one of the founders of the 
Kappa Alpha, a secret society in the college, and besides having 
a strong attachment for the society itself, and for its individual 
members — an attachment which lasted throughout his life — he 
had been an applicant to existing chapters in other colleges for 
authority to establish a branch at Princeton, and he felt in a 
measure responsible for its success and prosperity. The faculty 
had concluded to suppress the secret societies, and, among others, 
Richard Strong was summoned before the President to sign a 
pledge not to attend the meetings of any such society, and to 
dissolve his connection therewith, so long as he remained a mem- 
ber of the institution. He replied substantially to the demand, 
that his obligations to his society were contracted when there 
was nothing in the college rules preventing him from assuming 
them, and that the standing and reputation of its members were 
ample proof of its harmlessness. He begged the President not 
to insist upon that which he should be obliged to refuse, and 
declared that greatly as he deprecated the consequences, he 
should prefer rather to suffer them, than commit himself to such 
a pledge. A further interview was appointed with him at an 
unspecified future time, and the fact that he was not afterwards 
called upon to sever his connection with the society, or to sign 
the pledge proposed, shows the appreciation in which the worthy 
President of the college held the character of the young man 



ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 365 

who preferred rather to suffer detriment to himself, than prove 
false to a trust confided to his care. 

Though he had few superiors as a classical scholar, Mr. 
Strong was naturally inclined to the study of mathematics, and 
the natural sciences, and his early preferences were towards 
those pursuits as a profession. At one time he had determined 
to become a civil engineer, but though his constitution could not 
be called feeble, he was led to abandon this choice from a belief 
that he was not sufficiently robust, to endure the hardships and 
exposures sometimes attendant upon that mode of life. His next 
choice was the law, and soon after leaving college he entered 
the office of Reynolds, Cochrane & Reynolds in Albany, and 
became at the same time a student of the law department of the 
Albany University. He brought to the study a mind naturally 
excellent, improved by careful training. He pursued his studies 
with diligence, and the results were satisfactory to himself and 
his instructors, giving promise of usefulness and distinction in 
after life. His studies were interrupted for several months 
which he passed in visiting Europe, traveling in Great Britain 
and on the continent, and resumed again on his return. In 1856 
he was admitted to the bar. His connection through relatives 
with important mercantile interests in Albany, threw him at 
once into practice, and his zeal and ability soon gained for him 
an extensive business. 

About a year after his admission to the bar, he formed a part- 
nership with Frederick To^^'NSEND, now Major of the Eighteenth 
United States Inf^intry, and •William A. Jackson, afterwards 
Colonel of the Eighteenth Regiment New York Volunteers, now 
deceased, and upon the dissolution of the firm by the withdraAval 
of those gentlemen to positions in the service of the Government, 
he became associated with Mr. George L. Stedman, with whom 
he was connected in business at the time of his decease. The 
firm of Stedman & Strong having succeeded to the extensive 
business of the firm of Shepard & Bancroft, Mr Strong was 
enjoying the emoluments of a handsome practice when he gave 
his services to his country. His ability as a lawyer Avas marked 
and decided. He was accurate in his conclusions, and rapid in 



i\Q6 ADJT. EICIIAED M, STRONG. 

reaching them. He aiialj^zed facts with thoroughness, and ar- 
ranged them with method. His counsel was clear and reliable. 
It was always the deliberate conviction of his judgment after 
careful investigation of the fiicts, and was often sought and fol- 
lowed in preference to that of others of longer standing in the 
profession. He presented an argument to the court with a terse- 
ness, completeness, and ingenuity which always commanded at- 
tention. Witli the meml)ers of the Albany bar he was a general 
favorite, as he was among all who knew him. Fond of social 
enjoyments, cultivated and interesting in conversation, he was 
welcome everywhere, and often gave himself to the social gather- 
ings of the city. As a companion and friend, he w^as true and 
unselfish. He was cordial with all, and where his affections were 
enlisted, he was warm and enthusiastic. In countenance he was 
genial and joyous, but there was an earnestness in his expression 
as in his manner, which was the index of his character. 

Mr. Strong's professional career was varied by attention to 
other interests of a more public character. He possessed an 
activity of mind, and a readiness of perception and execution, 
which enabled him to attend laithfully and successfully to numer- 
ous diverse matters without neglecting his professional duties. 
His industry was remarkable. He wasted no time, and it was 
surprising to see one so young, so zealous, and so constantly 
employed. In the truest sense of the term, he was public- 
spirited — not from ostentation, but from love of well doing and 
natural energy of disposition. He was connected with many 
important enterprises in his nati^;e city, and the assurance that 
he was actively engaged in any project was almost a guaranty 
of its success. 

Not long after the commencement of his professional life, he 
became a member of the First Presbyterian church of Albany, 
Rev. Dr. John N. Cajvipbell's. He was a faithful, earnest, and 
exemplary Christian, ever mindful of the obligations of his reli- 
gious profession, and living the life of one whose actions were 
prompted and guided by the purest faith. When the project 
of erecting a new Presljytcrian church on State street, in Albany, 
was canvassed among the members of his denomination, he en- 



ADJT. RICHAED M. STRONG. 367 

terecl warmly into it and became a leading spirit in its accom- 
plishment. In November, 1859, he became one of a committee 
of fifteen appointed from the different Presbyterian churches of 
the city to carry forward the enterprise, and afterwards was 
secretary of the committee. 

Under his legal counsel and conduct the church was incor- 
porated, the land was purchased, the edifice erected and the 
pulpit supplied. In each step he not only performed his part as 
a lawyer but as an enthusiastic lover of the work, and with a 
refined taste and excellent judgment gave valuable advice in the 
manner and economy of construction, and rendered efficient 
services in the accumulation and management of the funds. 
He was made a trustee of the church and remained one until the 
time of his death. He entered the Sunday school, taking charge 
of an important class of advanced scholars, composed of two 
classes which he had previously instructed, every Sunday, and 
which showed its confidence in its instructor by volunteering 
unanimouslv in his reo;iment, and o:oino: with him to the war. 
The committee to whose management this church enterprise was 
given, threw the legal responsibility of the proceedings entirely 
upon his shoulders. With characteristic energy he entered into 
the law of the subject and in a few weeks had at his command 
not only the statute law applicable, but its sources and history. 
It was afterwards suggested to him that a volume on the sul)ject 
would have both a historic and practical interest, and he was 
urged to undertake its compilation, and is supposed to have had 
it in contemplation. 

The rel)ellion of 1861 made hurried calls upon the time and 
services of the efiicicnt young men of the North. The Albany 
Barracks were placed under the command of Brigadier General 
John F. Bathbone. Mr. Strong was then his aid-de-camp, and 
took an important part in organizing the regiments formed there. 
These barracks were the rendezvous of thousands of volunteer 
recruits, who came without discipline, without organization and 
utterly unaccustomed to the rigor and restraints of camp life. 
There were frequently at one time from four to five thousand, 
and the position of aid was no sinecure. Mr. Strong was not 



3G8 ADJT. EICHARD M. STRONG. 

unequal to the task; be had had military experience as a membei 
of the Albany Burgesses Corps and the Albany Zouave Cadets, 
and in those model organizations had become proficient in the 
drill of the company; he soon acquired the experience of a 
general officer. When Gen, Eathbone was relieved of his com- 
mand at the barracks, Mr. Strong received the appointment on 
his staff" of Judge Advocate of the Ninth Brigade New York 
National Guards. His duties at the barracks ceased with the 
departure of the troops for the field, and, the General Govern- 
ment having, as it was supposed, suflScient for its purposes, he 
returned to the practice of his profession impressed, however, as 
he stated, with a sense of obligation to the country, and a deter- 
mination to give his services, should the occasion seem to make 
a demand upon them. On the organization of the One Hundred 
and Seventy-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers, formerly 
the Tenth Regiment National Guard of the State, he accepted 
the laborious position of Adjutant, and turned his attention, with 
his accustomed energy, to placing it on a war footing. On the 
eve of departure, he addressed the regiment, publicly congratu- 
lating the officers and men upon their unwearied and at length 
successful efforts, to organize for the war. 

They left Albany in December, 1862, with the " B.\nks' expe- 
dition," landed at New Orleans, and were thence sent to Bonnet 
Carre', La., an important post on the Mississippi river, being one 
of the main defences of New Orleans. Large numbers of the 
unacclimated men of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh were 
soon prostrated with diseases peculiar to the country and to camp 
life; and Adjutant Strong, besides being the acknowledged 
friend of the individual members of the regiment, became an 
unwearied attendant upon the wants of the sick. His assistance 
was freely bestowed on all sides, regardless of danger from infec- 
tion, and the strain upon his strength. With a rare skill and a 
joyous and genial manner peculiar to himself, he watched with 
and assisted in the care of the sick, and administered to the dying 
the consolations of that religion he had himself experienced. 
His labors in this respect, while attending ])uncti]iously to the 
duties of his position, rendered him liable, through loss of 



ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 369 

strength, to take the fever, to which he has fallen a victim. In 
a letter from Bonnet Carre, written on the day after his death, 
full of tenderness and afiection, addressed to the father of Adjt. 
Strong, Dr. O. H. Young, assistant surgeon of the regiment, 
says: "The tenderness of his heart and his unresting desire for 
usefulness, prompted him to visit the hospital often, in the hope 
of adding to the welfare of the sick soldier, and many will 
remember the kind solicitude which made him their constant 
visitor, and the cheerful words which infused new hope into 
their drooping spirits. Indeed, the frequency with which Eich- 
ARD made tliese visits, had more than once attracted our atten- 
tion, and creating some solicitude for his health, had made it 
incumbent on us, as medical ofBcers, to advise him not to spend 
too much time among the sick and dying. ***** q^ 
Sunday, April 26, he and I sat together on a bench in front of 
my tent listening to divine service. ***** Directly 
after these exercises he complained of headache, and asked me 
for professional advice, which was given, on condition that he 
immediately abandon all official duties which rendered exposure 
to the sun's heat necessary." 

This headache, spoken of by Dr. Young, was the approach of 
the fever, which soon assumed a typhoid form, and terminated 
his life. In speaking of his last sickness. Dr. Young informed 
his parents that it was not attended with physical pain. During 
his last moments his physical prostration was too great to permit 
his articulating, but his response to the question, whether he 
desired to be remembered to his father and family at home, was 
audible and intelligent. He answered, said Dr. Young, distinctly 
"yes," and a few moments after, with his brother's name upon 
his lips, expired. His remains were encased in a metallic coffin, 
and deposited in Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans, to await 
their conveyance to Albany. 

Thus has another valual)le life surrendered itself a voluntary 
offering to the institutions of our coimtry, freely given in the morn- 
ing of usefulness, with bright promises for the future unfulfilled. 
The misgivings as to his physical endurance, which in earlier 
years had swerved him from the pursuits of the studies which he 

24 



370 ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 

loved, had no power to influence his action when he felt his ser- 
yices were valiial)le to the country, liut he freely gave himself to 
the risks of the held of l)attle, and the exposures of camp life, 
and in doing so, none who knew him Avill say he was otherwise 
actuated than by a sense of duty, and a desire to be of service to 
his country, in whose institutions he had an unshaken faith. To 
that faith he has Ijorne testimony with the seal of his life — a life 
full of the brightest promise, and endeared to him by the ten- 
clerest family affections, and throughout which, with all the 
opportunities and successes which attended him, there is not one 
moment over which his friends would desire to draw a veil. The 
memory of his chaste and noble nature, like the lingering rays 
of the setting sun, remains to soften the gloom his death has 
caused, and is the assurance of. a triumphant future. Sweetly he 
sleeps the sleep of death among those, 

" Qui fueiunt, sed nunc ad astra." 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ALBANY BAR. 

At a meeting of the Albany Bar, convened in the Mayor's 
Court Eoom, in the City Hall of Albany, to take action regard- 
ing the death of Adjutant Richard M. Strong, on motion of 
Mr. C. M. Jenkins, Mr. J. I. Werner was called to the Chair. 
On motion of Mr. J. B. Sturtev^int, Mr. William Lansing was 
appointed Secretary. 

On motion, the Chair appointed the following committee mi 
resolutions: Messrs. William A. Young, John C. McClure, 
Hamilton Harris, J. Howard King and George Wolford. 

Hon. John H. Reynolds then addressed the meeting as 
follows: 

One by one, and in rapid succession, those who for a time 
travel with us on the highway of life, drop down and are seen 
no more. At short intervals of time, some, that we have known 
and who have in some sort been our associates, disappear, and 
we know them no longer. At a little greater interval, those 
with whom we have been more intimate, fall by the way side, 
and then we pause a moment and perhaps shed a few tears, and 



ADJT. mCIIAED M. STRONG. 371 

pass on, intent only upon reaching the end of our own travels, 
and a season of repose which never comes. We tind but little 
time to linger beside those who falter, and less to stand around 
the orraves of the fallen. As we move onward, at intervals 
which seem to grow less and less in duration, we are compelled 
to pause, from time to time, for the reason that our most intimate 
associates can no longer keep us company, but leave us to con- 
tinue our progress as best we may. It is then that we tarry a 
little longer, and feel it a duty to give some expression to our 
regret and regard. We have met to-day to perform this duty, 
in respect to one of our professional brethren, who, under cir- 
cumstances of painful interest, has, in the very morning of life, 
left us forever. It is not long since that, under like circum- 
stances, we were assemljled to pay the last tribute of respect to 
the memory of another of our brethren, who in obedience to 
the call of his country, left home and friends, and wore out his 
life, in defence of the flag, which an army of traitors seek to 
trample in the dust. And now, after a little while, we meet 
again, to pay a like tribute of regard to one of gentle nature 
and of high promise, who more recently gave up the pursuits 
of an honoral)le profession, and severed the tenderest ties that 
bind our common humanity, to brave all the privations and 
dangers that attend the patriotic citizen and soldier, who takes 
up arms in defence of the insulted flag of his country. It is 
fitting that this mournful event should not pass unnoticed by 
those who were bound to him in the ties of professional brother- 
hood, who knew him intimately, and loved him well in life, 
and whose early death falls with crushing weight upon so many 
hearts. 

At the early age of twenty-eight, Richard M. Strong died, 
far away from home and kindred. We knew but little of his 
days of sickness and suftering, or of the last hours of his life, 
save that an unrelenting disease, in an ungenial clime, wasted 
him away; and in his last moments his thoughts were turned to 
loved ones at home, and his lips fjiintly murmured a brother's 
name; and with this last effort of affection, his spirit passed to 
" God who gave it." 



372 ADJT. EICHARD M. STRONG. 

The story of bis life is brief and simple. It is not marked by 
uncommon incidents, which will attract the attention of the great 
world. He did not live long enough to achieve the high honors 
of the profession to which his life was to have been devoted, and 
which his talents, his industry, his manly and modest deportment, 
his spotless character, his love of truth and justice, entitled those 
who kncAV him best to predict for his career. So much of pro- 
fessional life as he was permitted to pursue, gave assurance that 
all which would have followed could not have 

" Unbeseemed the promise of his spring." 

He began the study of the law in an office with which I was 
connected; and I shall always remember him with affection as a 
devoted, industrious, intelligent and fiiithful student; full of hope, 
and earnest in the pursuit of all that learning which marks the 
progress of a true lawyer, and gives dignity to a noble profes- 
sion. He brought to that pursuit a mind capable of reaching a 
high rank among men, who never fail to appreciate learning, to 
reverence intellect, and to love and cherish all the higher quali 
ties which adorn human nature. His early training, where his 
superiority had always been acknowledged, fitted him to com- 
mence his professional career under circumstances more favorable 
to success than is common to most wiio enter upon a pursuit 
where real merit is seldom unrewarded, and where few ever 
attain a permanent position without severe labor and solid acquire- 
ments. His practice at the bar, although not of long duration or 
extensive in its character, illustrated the qualities of mind and 
heart which commanded the respect and regard of all his brethren, 
and which step by step, would have led him to high honors. 

In early life he was frail and delicate, and he was nurtured 
with tenderest affection. At school he was patient, and diligent; 
and not only won the regard of his associates, but attained a 
position of acknowledged merit; and when his schoolboy and col- 
lege days were over, he left behind him the marks of a superior 
mind, and the remembrance of an exemplary character. To this, 
all his early friends bear willing testimony. He sought our 
profession as best adapted to his tastes and talents, and entered 



ADJT. RICHARD M, STRONG. 373 

upon it with all the enthusiasm of youth, and with all the hope 
and confidence which youth and conscious talents inspire. Sur- 
rounded by every comfort which wealth and aflection can give, 
stinuilated l)y every motive of honorable ambition, he saw the 
future bright before him, and, with just reliance upon himself, 
looked forward to a useful and an honorable career in the pro- 
fession of his choice. But an imperiled country called him to 
other duties. He was among the first, when the sound of con- 
flict reached us, to lay down the profession of the law, and 
assume the profession of arms; and he has followed it with 
fidelity to the same end to which Ave are all hastening. With 
the brave men who have o-one to the field of strife he souo;ht 
danger as a duty; and, if opportunity had presented, he would 
have proved himself as brave in battle as he was patient and sub- 
missive when disease wasted his life away. He was a Christian 
gentleman and a Christian soldier. He followed with unfalter- 
ing trust, the path of duty to his God, to his countiy, to his 
kindred and his friends. He leaves no enemy behind him. All 
who knew him loved him; for his nature was gentle and genial. 
He was firm in honest purposes, quick to discern and defend the 
right, and incapable of wrong. When such men die early or 
late in life, there is a melancholy pleasure in bearing testimony 
to what they were ; and to do so is a sacred duty to the living 
and the dead. 

The circumstances under which our deceased brother closed 
his brief but honorable career, are peculiarly painful and impres- 
sive, although death now meets us in so many startling forms 
that we scarcely notice it until it comes very near. The stories 
of blood and battle, of sufl'ering and death, are daily brought to 
our view, and yet scarcely arrest our attention. We look with 
interest to scenes of conflict and carnage, where brave men 
struggle and die amid the roar of cannon and the shouts of vic- 
tory, but scarcely remember the unhappy patriots who, in a 
distant clime, struggle with relentless disease, and who, upon 
beds of sufl'ering, turn once more to their early homes and kin- 
dred in all the agony of loneliness and desolation. They are far 
beyond all those consolations which attend the dying when sur- 



374 ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 

rounded by the endearments of home. Death is always a mer- 
ciless visitor; but to one suffering amid strangers, in a strange 
land, Ijecomes robed in his most ghastly form — terrible to the 
victim, and agonizing to those who are nearest and dearest to him. 
We cannot turn aside the veil that hides the grief of the aiflicted 
household in which our lamented brother grew up to manhood. 
The father's, the mother's, the brother's and the sister's agony is 
all their own. We may sympathize but cannot alleviate. We 
may speak a word of kindness, and drop a tear of sympathy, 
but we only add our sorrow to theirs. God grant that this 
household, and the many others that have, in these unhappy days, 
suffered a like bereavement, may find consolation from the only 
source that can give lasting comfort to the afflicted. 

And let us who here grieve over the early dead, be ever mind- 
ful of the admonitions which these mournful occasions give us. 
Death meets us in all forms, in all conditions of age and station, 
and on all occasions. 

" Leaves have their tirae to fall, 

And flowers to wither in the north wind's breath, 

And stars to set; but all — 

Thou hast all seasons for thine own, oh Death! " 

This tril)ute of the Hon. Mr. Reynolds was followed by other 
addresses, also most appropriate and eloquent, from the Hon. 
Lyman Tremain, Mr. llurus W. Peckham Jr., Hon. Deodatus 
Wright, Gen. John Meredith Read Jr., and Mr. Orlando 
Meads. 

William A. Young, Esq., offered the following resolutions, 
which were unanimously adopted : 

Another member of the Albany County Bar has died in the 
military service of the country. Richard Marvin Strong, a 
gentleman of much professional ability, of amiable manners and 
strict integrity, beloved by his companions in arms, and by all 
who were associated with him in the pursuits of civil life, in the 
flower of his age, has gone from among us forever. His worth 
as a citizen and a lawyer, his valor and patriotism, have conse- 



ADJT. RICHAED M. STRONG. 375, 

crated his name and his niemoiy in the hearts of his brothers of 
the bar. In view of this mournful dispensation. 

Resolved, That while contemplating with admiration and pride 
the example furnished by the deceased, of conscientious devotion 
to the Union and the supremacy of the laws, we deeply lament 
the too early death of one whose cultivated mind and pure char- 
acter gave promise of so much usefulness and distinction. His 
intercourse with his brethren of the bar was marked, at all times, 
by kindness and courtesy. Among his fellow-citizens, his daily 
life was eminent for that uprightness and manly bearing which 
are the outward manifestations of a heart imbued with the prin- 
ciples of justice and right. His literary attainments and scholar- 
like tastes were the graceful and titting ornaments of his virtues. 
KnoAving the magnitude of the sacrifices at which he entered 
upon the career of arms, we venerate the heroism and constancy 
of one who was capal)le, when his country demanded his services, 
of exchanging the delights of a home, where he had ever been 
an object of the tenderest affection, the charms of study and the 
rewards of professional industry, for the hardships, the perils, 
and the sufferings of the camp and the field. 

Resolved, That we tender to the parents and friends of the 
deceased our heartfelt sympathies in the affliction which this mel- 
ancholy event has brought upon them; and that we invoke in 
their behalf the consolations which enabled our departed brother 
to meet death with Christian fortitude and resignation. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the news- 
papers of the city, and that a copy, signed by the officers of this 
meeting, be presented to the family of the deceased. 

In an eloquent sermon commemorative of Adjt. Strong, the 
Rev. A. S. TwoMBLY, his pastor, spoke as follows: 

" In the prime of manhood, God has taken him away. With 
many earthly hopes yet unfulfilled — a thousand manly aspira- 
tions all unmet — just as the promise of his early culture ripens 
towards its fruit — before life gives its best rewards — he dies ! 
But who will say that life in him, in any sense, was incomplete ? 
Who will say that death has broken from the stem a life whose 
sunnner time has not yet come ? This church, which owes much 



376 ADJT. EICHARD M. STRONG. 

of its strength and its success to him whose name alone is left to 
it, may seem all incomplete without him. We, his associates and 
friends, among Avliom he appeared pre-eminent for genial good- 
ness, strength of judgment, and simplicity of character, may be 
obliged to leave unfinished his share in' the work which we 
together had assumed. The Sabbath school — his pride and 
care — that class which he took with him to the war, may never 
find a su1)stitute for the place he occupied. And in the private 
circle of his dearest friends, the years he would have tilled with 
happiness for them, may seem all incomplete and vacant; even 
as to all whose lives and interests his peculiar qualities seemed 
to supply that which he only could supply, his career may seem 
but the fragment of an earthly course. And why God called this 
useful servant home so soon, why all this ripening power for 
good should be so soon dissolved in death, we cannot tell; but 
this one thing we know, in him, when God's eye searched, it 
found the full condition of a finished mortal life. 

"The earthly dates that limit his career between the times of 
birth and death, are not God's boundaries; and the meanness of 
our human computations, God makes manifest, in giving a far 
grander finish than that of years or circumstances to his life. 

"For although on all life's ordinary relationships, his memory 
sheds a fragrant beauty, yet our thoughts invest him with far 
richer usefulness, and his name will have far greater eloquence 
for good, because religion lent her lustre to the fair graces which 
adorned his life. That his life was rich in things that win the 
hearts of friends, and touch the finer springs of feeling, none 
who Avitness the universal lamentation at his death can doubt. 

"The touching reminiscences preserved of him at home; the 
lonesome feeling there without him, together with the last word 
on his dying lips (his brother's name), tell well enough of him 
as son and brother. While for that trying relationship, existing 
so seldom in perfection between a young church member and his 
careless fidends, let those to whom his presence was an admoni- 
tion, and at the same time a delight, bear witness. Let the 
power of his life and death on them attest his genial, unol)tru- 
sive, but consistent character as a friend. 



ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 377 

" So, too, the record of his business life, for thoroughness, fair- 
ness and ability, may challenge scrutmy. This, the resolutions 
published by his associates of the bar full well attest. And let 
our own church I'ecords show the value of his professional advice. 
Let this goodly edifice, in which to-night we worship, speak, not 
onl}^ from the accuracy of all its financial formuhe, of his legal 
skill, but also from its chaste adornments, of his care and taste; 
thus proving that while apt and able in professional acquire- 
ments, he was likewise talented and tasteful in all other l^rauches 
of a lil)eral culture. 

"But above all signs like these, who to his record as a Chris- 
tian would wish to add more signs of full-orbed life ? who most 
anxious for assurance, could desire more signs of faith, humility 
and sacrifice by which the Christian's earthly state is made com- 
plete ? Not that all possible signs appear in him ; but that 
enough appear, to show that by God's grace the germ of true 
Christianity was in his soul, who that has heard him pray, who 
that has watched his manly. Christian life ; who that has heard 
of his pure motives in responding to his country's call, can for a 
moment doubt ? Are not the^e outward indications of complete- 
ness, clustered over and about his memory like flowers that tell 
of a prolific soil ? And were all other indications wanting, 
Avould not the last great witness of his life; would not the count- 
ing of his life a willing offering, be sufiicient testimony to the 
full completion of this trial-epoch of his soul ? 

" His fellow soldiers send back loving messages of his devotion 
to the sick and suffering in that dreary hospital beneath the 
southern palm, thus telling us where the seeds of his ova\ fatal 
malady were sown. They tell us how he sympathized with 
others in their sorrow; how in camp he talked and prayed with 
men (some of them from his old Sabbath class), when to indite a 
prayer or sing a psalm, cost something more than time or talent.* 

* A touching incident occurred to-day, in connection with this class. A pupil who had 
Tolunteered for two years in another regiment, being at home on a short furlough, 
entered the school and asked the superintendent for his former teacher, not knowing 
that the class had all enlisted, and that their teacher was no more. What could more 
forcibly illustrate our beloved brother's influence and power as a faithful tcaclier in the 
Sabbath School I 



378 ADJT. EICHARD M. STRONG. 

They tell us that the " Cross at any time in his deportment coiiUl 
be seen;" so that we needed not to hear the tidings of his death, 
to know assuredly that life was not accounted dear to him, if that 
he might complete his course with joy. If therefore in addition 
to the Christian impulse by which he was hurried to the field; 
if anything above that sense of Christian duty, for which he gave 
our land his life, were wanting to attest the fullness and com- 
pleteness of his earthly course, these last days with the sick and 
the disal)led — his last words, all of which were breathed, not for 
himself but for another, would announce with unmistakable 
authority how truly he had counted all things loss, that he might 
win the crown. 

" When we think of him, let not our eyes be dim with tears— 
but let our hearts rejoice that God has made him able, thus to 
finish his career with joy. Let his memory seem to us like some 
perfected crystal formed from the agitated cooling of the ore; 
each side reflects its own peculiar lustre, while together all the 
rays perfect a starlike form, whose gleams conceal all imperfec- 
tions; and within whose heart a crystal germ of purity waits 
but the master hand to be made fit for coronets of kings. 

"But yesterday our friend was like ourselves, imperfect, frail 
and liable to temptation; upon his life the finishing touch had 
not yet come. To-day, by Jesus's handling, he is shining in 
perfection in the diadem of God ! His mortal life was gladly 
given for this end; then why should we begrudge it! Everything 
was laid for this at Jesus's feet ; and why should we be sorry for 
the sacrifice ! A joyous home, great hopes, strong friendships, 
hai)py ties, — all counted loss, so that he might end his course 
with joy ! These are the signs of its completion, what can we 
ask for more ! 

"Not merely do the tears of all true patriots fall upon his 
'toml); not only does a star-lit and perfected manhood shine from 
heaven upon us to inspire with hope; but as a spirit, leaving in 
its flight sure signs of its redemption, his memory sheds a glad 
assurance down. With Paul, his strength on earth through 
Christ, was in the Avords : ' I count not life dear unto me, so that 
1 finish my career with joy,' and with the Apostle he has proved 



ADJT, RICHARD M. STRONG. 379 

those words sincere; therefore to-day, with all the ransomed 
hosts above, he finds ecstatic pleasure in that song of songs : 
' The Lamb was slain.' 

" My fellow-Christians of this church, he for whose loss these 
tears of mingled grief and joy are falling, was, as you know, one 
of the first enrolled among our members. He is among the first 
to leave this membership for the Church Triumphant in the skies. 
He who greeted me so cordially one year ago when first I came 
to live among you as your pastor, will extend to me and you no 
further proofs of his affection; he can ofier now no further acts 
of love; but may he not still live about us, radiant upon us from 
that upper sphere? May not his death be like a cheerful light 
upon our way, revealing to us what the Christian has to sufier 
and to dare, and showing us the glorious crown he hopes to 
wear ? May not this early gift of life to God nerve us as worth- 
ily to finish our career ? Assisted by him, to look beyond him 
to a greater sufferer, may we not in holy emulation also strive to 
leave liehind us equal proof, that Jesus will present our souls 
upon His bleeding heart before the throne ? Then shall the 
name of him Avho has departed become a sacred memory within 
our souls; our loved and honored dead will touch us from the 
past, and fill us with an ever-present and inspiring joy! He was 
ours once in full companionship; he may be ours forevermorc in 
that far higher intimacy which death and a divine communion 
can estal)lish between kindred souls. Although his worthiness 
makes our immediate loss the heavier, yet for this very reason is 
his gain and ours the greater. He has finished his career with 
joy — we in that completion ma}^ find all we need; may find the 
very impulse that we lacked for giving up our life in true sur- 
render unto God. Draw near, then, 3^e that mourn and be ye 
comforted. We have no cause for grief; and surely he whose 
requiem we chant needs not our tears! 

" In that resplendent lustre of perfected souls, the spirits of 
the just made perfect seem to listen as I speak! I seem to speak 
of one among them, as if he heard me still! His voice comes 
gently, like an eclio from the skies, entreating us to o-et our lives 



380 ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 

in readiness to come. He tells us of the rest above; he chants 
the glory of his now perfected life. 

"Thus would he hush our murmurs, quiet all our fears, and 
draw us sweetly to the love of Him whose life was freely given, 
that whosoever loseth life for His sake on the earth may find it 
unto everlasting joy." 

The following hymn (a favorite with Adjt. Strong, among the 
songs of the' Sabbath School), was sung by request on the eve- 
ning of the delivery of this discourse : 

Come sing to me of heaven 

When I'm about to die ; 
Sing songs of holy ecstasy 

To waft my soul on high. 

When cold and sluggish drops 

Roll off' my marble brow, 
Break forth in songs of joyful ness, 

Let heaven begin below. 

When the last moments come, 

Oh, watch my dying face 
To catch the bright seraphic glow 

Which in each feature plays. 

Then to my raptured ear 

Let one sweet song be given; 
Let music charm me last on earth 

And greet me first in heaven. 

Then close my sightless eyes, 

And lay me down to rest, 
And clasp my cold and icy hands 

Upon my lifeless breast. 

When round my senseless clay 

Assemble those I love — 
Then sing of heaven, delightful heaven, 

My glorious home above 



ADJT. JOHN H. RUSSELL. 381 



XXIV. 

ADJUTANT JOHN H. RUSSELL. 

From Rev. A. A. Farr,. late Chaplain of Eighteenth N. Y. Regiment. 

Adjutant John H. Russell was the son of Mr. William and 
Mrs. C-ATHARiNE A. EussELL, and was born in the city of Albany, 
on the 21st day of July, 1836. His name is remembered by 
hundreds here, who lamented his early death while they honored 
him for his love for his countiy, and his devotion to her cause, 
in the time of her great peril. On the breaking out of the 
rebellion, in 1861, he was one of the first to offer his services to 
the government, and Avas ready to leave home and friends, if he 
could do something towards rolling back the dark cloud that 
hung over the land, and threatened us with the loss of all our 
cherished institutions. 

When the Eighteenth Regiment of N. Y. State Volunteers 
was organized, on the 14th day of May, 1861, he was unani- 
mously elected the Adjutant of the regiment; and on the 17th 
of the same month, was mustered into the service of the United 
States. B}'- applj-ing himself to the work, he soon became an 
accomplished officer. He was, in many respects, a model Adju- 
tant. Being a good scholar and a very fine penman, and withal 
very particular that every thing should be just right, he suc- 
ceeded in securing the commendation of officers high in com- 
mand. 

Adjutant Russell was rather retiring in his manners, and had 
but few intimate friends; yet, such was his general conduct, that 
he commanded the respect of all. 

He had never made a public profession of religion, yet he was 
a firm believer in the doctrines of Christianity. He used often 



382 ADJT. JOHN H. RUSSELL. 

to speak of his mother as a woman of deep piety, and he believes 
she was at ]"est in a Ijetter world. 

In the month of April, 1862, we were ordered to the Penin- 
sula to join Gen. McClellan. Soon after we arrived there, Mr. 
Russell began to feel the effects of that climate, in impairing his 
health. And for some weeks before his leaving the field, he was 
much of the time really unfit for duty. Yet he was unwilling to 
give up and be called a sick man, and, under these unfavoralile cir- 
cumstances, he continued to do his duty. As I was, at that time, 
occupying the same tent with him, I know how much he suffered. 

The battle of Gaines' Mills was fought on the 27th day of 
June, 1862. Our regiment, with others, was formed in line of 
battle about twelve o'clock, noon, and soon after we were ordere(i 
to cross the Chickahominy, with the expectation of going into 
the fight, which had already commenced. We crossed the river, 
according to orders, and were soon in sight of the contending 
forces. At about five p. m. we were ordered into the battle, at 
double quick. Adjutant Russell was at his post, and without 
flinching did his duty. But he was not permitted to remain long 
with his comrades. He was wounded in the ankle by a Minnie 
ball, yet it was prol)ably a spent shot, as it did not break the 
ankle. He was ordered to the rear, when the surgeon extracted 
the ball, and thought the wound was so slight that he would 
soon be at his post again. That night, about twelve o'clock, the 
regiment was ordered back to our camp, and, as we were return 
ing, we overtook Mr. Russell, as he was Ijcing carried back t( 
his tent. He was very cheerful, and thought he would soon bt' 
in active service ajjain. I took care of him for the rest of the 
night, and he was very comfortable. The next morning, as we 
were expecting another battle, the Adjutant, with other wounded 
and sick men, were sent to Savage's Station, where they might be 
more secure, and receive proper attention. On Sabbath mor- 
ning, June 29, we commenced our retrogadc movement, and when 
we arrived at Savage's Station all the sick and wounded that 
coifld be moved were put into ambulances and sent over to the 
James river. Mr. Russell was of course one of the number. 
After putting him into the ambulance with Capt. Montgomery, 



ADJT. JOHN H. RUSSELL. 383 

of Gen. Newton's staff, I saw no more of him until the next 
Tuesday. Then I found him at Carter's Landing, on the James 
river; and this proved to be our last meeting. At this time he 
was in good spirits, though very much fatigued, having remained 
in the ambulance for two days, and the most of that time they 
had been on the move. From this place he was taken to Harri- 
son's Landing, where he was put on board one of the transports 
and sent to the north. He thought if he could get home, where 
proper attention could be secured, he would soon be well again. 
But, when he arrived at Philadelphia, he was so much exhausted 
that he could go no further. He was taken to the house of Capt. 
INIoNTGOMERY, liis fcllow sutfcrer, where ever3'thing was done for 
him that human kindness could suggest. But his system had 
become so much debilitated by disease that he did not rally, but 
continued to fail, till the 28th day of July, 18G2, he passed 
away from earth — just one month and one day from the time 
that he received his wound. Thus lived and died John H. Rus- 
sell, Adjutant Eighteenth N. Y. Vols. 



384 CAPT. JOHN D. r. DOUW. 



XXY. 

CAPTAIN JOHN DePEYSTER DOUW. 

John DePeyster Douw was born in Albany, on the 10th of 
March, 1837, and was the son of Volckeet P. and Helen L. 
Douw. Reared amid the inflnences of refinement, intelligence 
and Christian culture, he early developed traits that endeared 
him to all with whom he was associated. He early manifested 
a frank and generous spirit, and was a respectful and dutiful son, 
a kind l)rother, and a warm hearted friend. 

In entering the army, he was actuated by the purest and loftiest 
feelings of patriotism, and his course was perfectly in accordance 
with the wishes of his parents, who desired the family to be rep- 
resented in the recent eventful period of our National history. 

His military career, the valor with which he fought for his 
country, and the hope that ever inspired his soul, may be learnt 
from the following statements, furnished to his father by a dis- 
tinguished officer, who knew and loved the departed hero: 

Capt. Douw joined the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regi- 
ment N. Y. S. Volunteers when that regiment first entered the 
service, the 23d of August, 1862, at Camp Schuyler, Herkimer 
county, N. Y., as first Lieutenant of Company "I." He served 
in that capacity until shortly after the battle of Antietam, when 
his soldierly bearing and attention to duty attracted the notice 
of Maj. Gen. Slocum, commanding First Division, Sixth Army 
Corps. The General at once placed Lieut. Douw on his staff as 
ordnance officer, which arduous and responsible position he filled 
with credit, until shortly after the first Fredericksburg battle, 
when he left his staff appointment to accept the Captaincy of 
Company "K" in his own regiment, a promotion justl}^ earned. 
He took connnand of his company, and led it in the terrible battle 




:'^:#l^j ■■'y^^^w////,'' 



°6 - VrAH-Bit<*i« 




^^^^-^-^^^^.-^ 



CAPT. JOHN D. P. nouw. 385 

of Salem Chapel, May 3tl, 1863. All who are conversant with 
the history of that engagement, know of the fearful loss of life 
in the One Hundred and Twenty-first — the total loss being two 
hundred and seventy men out of four hundred who entered the 
fight, a greater loss than any other regiment has ever experi- 
enced in one battle. Capt. Douw particularly distinguished him- 
self at this time. He passed through the fiery ordeal unhurt. 

He commanded his company during the memorable Maryland 
campaign, that culminated in the glorious victoiy of Gettysburg. 
He participated in all the various skirmishes after that battle until 
the rebels were driven across the Potomac. 

Again at Rappahannock Station Nov. 7th, 1863, he led his 
company. The One Hundred and Twenty-first, about three hun- 
dred strong, captured twelve hundred prisoners and four stands of 
colors. Captain Douw received great praise from his command- 
ing oflicer for his gallantry. This, with the exception of the 
short campaign known as the Mine Run Expedition, closed the 
operations of this portion of the army for 1863. 

The winter of 1863 and 1864 was passed by the Captain in 
fitting himself and company for the prominent part they were 
destined to play in the great campaign of 1864. He was in every 
battle of this campaign; the fierce struggle in the Wilderness, 
and the desperate charges at Spottsylvania Court House. In the 
last engagement he was one of that band of heroes who made 
the famous charge of May 10th. The charging party consisted 
of twelve regiments, three front and four deep. The One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-first was in the first line and on the right, the 
post of honor and danger. Their advance was irresistible. 
Three lines of works were carried, fifteen hundred prisoners were 
captured, the enemy's centre was broken and the victory almost 
won. But the supports did not do their duty and the column, 
surrounded, was forced to retire. The slaughter was awful. 
Captain Douw came out of the fight uninjured, and in command 
of his regiment; the field ofiicers being both wounded and one a 
prisoner. He commanded the regiment gallantly at Coal Harbor, 
and during the early battles in front of Petersburg. At this 



25 



386 CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 

time Major Galpin, having recovered from his womicls, resumed 
his command. 

The rebels again made a raid into Maryland and even the 
Capital was in danger. The Sixth Corps was orderded to Wash- 
ington to repel the invasion. The enemy retreated and then 
ensued long and weary marches. Captain Douw, always cheer- 
ful, was the life of his regiment. 

The sun rose clear and bright on the 19 th of September. 
This was the lirst of the many glorious days of victory, that 
cleared away the cloud of defeat that so long had darkened 
"Freedom's Banner" in the valley of Virginia, and that placed 
the "crown of victory" on the stars and stripes. 

The battle of Fisher's Hill quickly followed, and during both 
of these battles, the Captain was always in the front rank, 
encouraging and animating his men by his example. Strange 
that one so regardless of personal danger, should have so long 
passed unharmed. But his time w^as yet to come. The eventful 
19th of October dawned, the last and most complete, the crown- 
ing glory of the campaign. But what a sacrifice it cost. Alas, 
how many of those who immortalized themselves that day, did 
it at the expense of their lives. 

Captain Douw was struck about nine o'clock, a. m., by a bullet 
in the right les;. The bone was shattered, and he laid on the 
field until late in the afternoon, when, the troops returning, he 
was taken to a temporary hospital at New Town, whence he was 
removed to Winchester, where his limb was amputated. He 
lingered until six o'clock, p. m., October 26th, when he quietly 
slept the sleep that knows no waking. 

Thus passed away one of the nolilest spirits this war has de- 
stroyed. In battle, brave even to raj^hness; on the march, cheer- 
ful; gentle, manly and social, kind and considerate to all — quali- 
ties that made all who knew him love him. His memory will 
be cherished by his companions in arms as long as they live. 

The Major of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Eegiment 
thus speaks of his habit of daily reading the Scriptures: 

" I have known Captain Douw since the regiment was first 
organized at Camp Schuyler, as I was the First Sergeant in the 



CAPT. JOHN D. r. DOUW. 387 

company of which he was the First Lieutenant. During our term 
last winter in quarters at Brandy Station we were together a great 
deal, and became quite intimate. When the campaign opened in 
the spring, we entered into a ' mess ' by ourselves, slept under 
the same blankets, and endured the same hardships until Sep- 
tember 20th, when I was detailed at headquarters of the division. 
^^^e each carried a pocket testament, and it was our custom every 
day after the campaign opened, to each read a chapter alternately 
on arriving in camp, if not by the wayside while resting from 
our march. We had shared each other's comforts, and more 
than once had expressed a hope that we might outlive this 
devouring war, and see tranquility reinstated, and meet each 
other in quiet life, to relate and discuss the past events in our 
military history." 

The same officer gives the following account of Captain Douw 
after he was wounded: 

" We were repulsed immediately after he was wounded, and 
thereby he fell into the enemy's hands. He was in their hands 
about eight hours, and while with them was treated both kindly 
and unkindly. He had in his pocket about one hundred and sixty 
dollars. Before the enemy came to pillage him, he cut the seam 
in his vest and placed nearly all of his money inside. But the 
rebels were not content Avith the few dollars they found, and 
made a more minute search, and succeeded in finding the whole 
of it. 

" About four p. M. the enemy was driven back, and he was 
immediately carried to a house near by, which was occupied as 
General Wheaton's headquarters. I was at that time serving 
upon the stafi' of General Wheatox, and while at the house I 
knoAv he received every attention. He was somewhat depressed 
in consequence of exhaustion. He told me he thought he should 
get Avell, and asked me to write to his father and uncle, which I 
did at once. It was on the 19th that he Was carried to the house, 
and on the morning of the 20th he was removed to New Town, 
and thence to Winchester. I assisted in placing him comfortably 
in the ambulance, and after bidding him ' good-bye * he was driven 
away, and I did not see him again. 



388 CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 

" Dr. Benedict was with him at the time he died, and says a few 
moments before he expired he asked him ' if he were not dying.' 
Benedict told him ' he w^as.' He then asked him to say the 
Lord's Prayer, whieh he did, and the Captain repeated it until 
he breathed his hist. After he could not articulate aloud, he 
repeated it in a faint whisper until he passed from this life." 

The following particulars of the wound and death of Capt. 
Douw have been kindly furnished by the surgeon who attended 
him: 

I saw and conversed with Capt. Douw on the morning of the 
attack, October 19th, and we hoped at the time our regiment 
w^ould not be ordered out. He wished, if it were, to give me his 
valuables for safe keeping. They were ordered in line almost 
immediately after, and I was ordered to the Division hospital in 
New Town. 

Capt. Douw was wounded early in the action, eight o'clock 
A. M., and remained on the field some eight hours, during which 
time the enemy held the ground, and robbed him of his money, 
&c. Judging from the nature of the wound, he must have been 
resting in a sitting posture, on his left knee and right foot. The 
ball entered the right knee joint, traversing and shattering the 
femur or thigh bone nearly the whole length, and, after death, 
was extracted from the groin. 

He was completely chilled when found by our men. The limb 
was temporarily dressed, and he was brought to our hospital 
about five o'clock p. m. 

He was cold and almost pulseless on his arrival, and it w^as 
evident to the most casual observer that his system had received 
a shock which must prove fatal. I examined the limb sufiiciently 
to learn that an operation was his only chance for life, and our 
whole attention was given to stimulating the system, and bring- 
ing on reaction sufficient to amputate. But we did not succeed 
till he was removed to Winchester, fifteen miles. I put the limb 
in a box, and placed him in an ambulance on a feather bed, and 
he suffered no inconvenience from moving. I felt it to be my 
duty to tell him his true condition, and did so, as gently as pos- 
sible, advising him to have his father telegraphed for. He 



CAPT. joim D. p. Douw. 389 

replied that he was confident he should recover, but would send 
for an uncle in Philadelphia if he grew worse. 

This was the morning of the 21st. I never saw him after, 
but have conversed with the surgeons into whose hands he fell, 
and can assure his friends he received every attention possible, 
and everything was done that could be done under the circum- 
stances. He rallied on the 22d sufficiently to undergo the ope- 
ration, and l)ore up under it well. 

So much time had elapsed that the limb was much swollen, 
and it was not till after the operation that the course of the 
ball, and the full extent of the injury, was known. 

The tremendous shock to the system had been noticed and 
commented upon by all; but when the injury was fully known, 
his great depression was accounted for, and not, as before, attri- 
buted to his exposure on the field. 

He was cheerful and confident after the operation, — was at 
times delirious, — was anxious to have his vote prepared and for- 
warded, although he had already sent his vote about the 17th 
or 18th. 

I came to this regiment from the One Hundred and Twenty- 
second, July 1st, 1863, a stranger; but soon made the acquaint- 
ance of Captain Douw, as many in Syracuse were our mutual 
friends. 

He was respected and esteemed by officers and men, and his 
friends have the sympathy of the whole regiment. 

I found him a noble-hearted, true man, and wish no better 
evidence of his goodness of heart, than the love and affection he 
had for his family. How repeatedly has he shown me photo- 
graphs of his parents, brothers and sisters, and would speak of 
each in a manner, which in some measure enables me to imagine 
how great is their loss. 

LETTER FROM THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT. 

Cherry Valley, June 15t7i, 1866. 
My Dear Mrs. Douw — Lieutenant Douw, a few days afte/ his 
regiment had taken the field in September 1862, was selected 



390 CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 

by General Slocum, as division ordnance officer, a position of 
great responsibility. He was called upon to take the entire 
charge of the arms and ammunition of the division, and to issue 
and receipt for the same; in fact the efficiency of the division in 
this most important particular depended almost entirely upon 
his energy and activity. He tilled this j^ost to the satisfaction 
of the commanding officer of the division and all concerned; con- 
ducting his trains with great skill and prudence from Bakersville 
to Fredericksburg, Va., through the engagements which followed; 
and on the unfortunate " mud-march." That he should have 
accomplished this in the manner he did, is conclusive proof how 
earnest and sincere he was in the discharge of his duties. In the 
spring of 1863, just before the campaign opened, the proposition 
Avas made to Lieut. Douw by Col. Upton, at that time command- 
ing the One Hundred and Twenty-first N. Y. Vols., that if he 
would return to his company ho should be promoted to Captain. 
The Colonel also expressed his great desire to have Lieut. Douw 
with the command during the campaign. 

The position held by Lieut. Douw on Gen. Slocum's staflF, was 
in many respects to be preferred to that ofliered by Col. Upton. 
It brought him into intimate relations with the general officers 
of the division; it gave him privileges of which an infantry 
officer knew well the value; it ensured him daily comforts. Head- 
quarter wagons are the first up; headquarter tents the first 
pitched; headquarters monopolizes the best camping ground; 
headquarters guards the deepest well and the coolest spring — 
and headquarters is best supplied by the commissary. The pro- 
position therefore, to come back to his regiment and serve in his 
company, was one which very few officers would have accepted. 
Indeed, I know of but one case, where an officer having a staff 
appointment, returned of his own accord to serve with the com- 
pany. That is the case of Lieut. Douw. Many times have I felt 
the need of officers on staff duty, and offered them promotion, 
and endeavored to excite their ambition by showing that on the 
staff there was little hope of advancement, but all in vain. " I 
cannot give up the social position — the comforts, the privileges 
I enjoy on the staff, for the sake of commanding a company — to 



C^VPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 391 

march in the mud and dust, with but a soldier's fare and a 
shelter tent to sleep under." Lieut. Douw gave up all these 
advantages and voluntarily returned to his regiment, thinking it 
his duty to be with the men, whom he had originally received a 
commission to command, and to share with them their dangers 
and privations. 

Capt. Douw's relations with his company were of the most 
pleasant character. Although a good disciplinarian, he was a 
favorite with his men — a favoritism not gained by that familiarity 
which was the misfortune of many volunteer officers, but obtained 
by his strong love of justice, his anxiety that his men should not 
be imposed upon, and his correct ideas of duty. Capt. Douw, 
under the most discouraging circumstances, was always cheerful. 
He bore the privations and fatigues of the most trying campaign 
with a light-heartedness rarely seen in the service, and was proof 
against its demoralizinsf influences. A strong attachment to his 
home, of which he was ever fond of speaking, appeared to be a 
shield which, constantly reminding him of all he held most dear, 
at the same time turned away all temptations to dissipation. The 
influence of the home circle was ever upon him, and distance and 
danger only served to strengthen it. 

From the battle of Salem Chapel, May 3d, 1863, in which 
action his company suflfered more than any in the regiment, until 
the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, 1864, where he received 
his mortal wound, Capt. Douw was constantly with his command 
in every battle, skirmish or reconnoissance in which it was engaged. 

In conclusion, I would add that I never knew an officer who, 
during his whole service, more conscientiously performed his 
duties. He was a good officer and a brave man. 
I am, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

EGBERT OLCOTT, 
Late Colonel One ffundr^ed and Twenty-first New York. 

Extract from a letter from Sergeant Stevens to Mrs. Douw: 
" I never had any talk, on religious subjects, with your son, but 
I always considered him a most exemplary young man, I thought 



392 CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 

nothing; strange of his not talkino- with me on serious matters at 

Co o 

the time I was with the regiment, for I was not then a professor. 
When we had preaching in om- camp, the Captain always attended. 
I had a very good opportunity, while I was with my company, 
to become acquainted with him. 

"Your son commanded the company to which I had the honor 
to belong. I held the position of First Sergeant in the company 
until I was compelled, from wounds received in the battle of the 
Wilderness, to leave for the hospital. I helped him to prepare 
all of the company pay rolls, and clothing rolls; in fact, I assisted 
him about all the company writing. 

" In his death, the company sustained a great loss. We 
regarded him with something more than the respect which is 
due from a soldier to a superior; we looked up to him as an elder 
brother; one who took an interest in his men, very zealous of 
their rights, and prompt to have all wrongs redressed. He was 
exceedingly affable to his men. willing to listen to and advise the 
most illiterate or degraded of them. 

"Upon the march, as well as in camp, he seemed to have the 
interest of his men at heart. If there chanced to be one who 
was slightly unwell, or who began to manifest signs of great 
weariness, the Captain would shoulder his musket, give him some 
words of cheer, and assist him in every way in his power. I 
have been an object of his tender compassion on several occasions. 
While the army was on the march from Warrenton to the Rapi- 
dan river, I, from some unknown cause, had a very painful swell- 
ino- on my ankle; I could not wear my boots, and was compelled 
to march in this condition. The Captain took my musket at once, 
and carried it until we halted for the night. 

"Until noon of the following day, I marched in the same 
manner, when we halted for a short time to prepare dinner. By 
this time my ankle was swollen fearfully and pained me terribly. 

"The sight of this aroused the indignation (a thing which we 
seldom saw) of the Captain, towards the doctors, for not allow- 
ing me to ride in an ambulance. He arose from his dinner 
exclaiming, ' I will not have my men march in that condition,' 



CAPT, JOHN D. P. DOUW. 393 

went to the Doctor and told him so, and that afternoon I rode. 
I seldom saw him on the march without a musket on his shoulder. 

"After I was wounded the first time, at the battle of Salem 
Church, our field hospital was on the Potomac creek, near where 
the army was encamped, and the Captain came frequently to see 
" his wounded boys," and talk with and cheer us. He visited 
each tent to inquire after and ascertain the condition of all of the 
men. Thus it was he became the much loved Captain Douw. 
He was always willing to share the hardship of his men, always 
cheerful and always at his post. 

"Your atiliction is indeed great, but you have the heartfelt 
sympathies of the surviving members of company K. Long will 
they cherish the memory of your son and their Captain." 

His remains were brought home, and, on the 3d day of No- 
vember, buried in the Albany Cemetery. 

The following lines were written in memory of Capt. John 
DeP. Douw, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regment N. Y. S. V., 
died October 26, 1864: 

I 

A sad and melancholy year, 

The year just past ! 
Hope feebly struggling on — and darksome fear, 

Too oft, at last, 
Cringing beneath the tempest, through whose rifts, 
No sunlight flickers, while the black mass drifts, 
Whirling along the battle glare, 
Ouvvard, to worse despair ! 

II. 

A dismal and a bitter year. 

The year just gone ! 
The sepulchres of those we hold most dear 

Lie thick; and thorn 
The hearts that swelled to hear of brave deeds done, 
Of ramparts carried, and of standards won, 

By those of whom, the next hushed breath 
Of rumor, told the death. 

III. 
We cannot laugh as gaily now, 

As once we did ; 
When, with the Now Year garlands on our brow 

No low voice chid 



394 CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 

Our merriment, or bade us hold our peace, 
And think of some who evermore would cease 
From joining in the carol gay 
With which we hailed the day. 

IV. 

For now we see a vacant place 

Beside the board ; — 
And there we sadly miss a much loved face, 

"While memory, stored 
With thoughts of other days, when, with us here, 
He shared our sorrow and he shared our cheer, 
Forbids that we should hope relief 
From present bitter grief. 

V. 

But let us not too much rebel, 

Though he is dead. 
'Twas for his country's honor that he fell. 

And though his head 
Rests low beside the sword he so well drew 
His spirit, now in Heaven, waits to view 
That lasting peace on earth begin, 
He nobly helped to win. 

New Tear's Day, 1865. 



CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS. 395 



XXVI. 

CAPTAIN THEODORE C. ROGERS. 

Theodore Caldwell Rogers was born at Fairfield, Conn., 
December 3d, 1839. He was the oldest child of Rev. Ebenezer 
P. and Elizabeth Rogers. He was educated principally at the 
High School in Philadelphia, and at the Rensselaer Polytechnic 
Institute at Troy, where he fitted himself for the profession of a 
civil engineer. He was a youth of ardent and generous feelings, 
of brilliant mind, refined sensibilities and cultivated and winning 
manners. In person he was tall, well formed and athletic, ex- 
celling in all manly exercises, of more than ordinary vigor, and 
a fine specimen of physical symmetry and strength. His mind 
was well cultivated; he wrote in an easy and graceful style, was 
a good speaker, and in all those qualities of person, mind and 
character which giv^e great promise of excellence and usefulness, 
was unusually gifted. 

After leaving the institution at Troy, he was engaged for some 
time in civil engineering, with much success. He afterwards 
received overtures from a prominent commercial house in 
Albany, where his parents then resided, to become connected 
with them, which he accepted, and the breaking out of the rebel- 
lion fouud him just admitted to a partnership, with bright pros- 
pects of mercantile success. 

But the call of President Lincoln for volunteers to defend the 
insulted flag of his country, awoke in the breast of young Rogers 
a desire and determination to oifcr his services to his country in 
her hour of peril. It w^as not the mere love of adventure, or 
the passion for military glory which prompted his resolution. 
He looked at the whole subject as a Christian as well as a patriot, 
and having asked direction from God as to his course, he came 
to the deliberate conviction that it Avas his duty to volunteer his 



396 CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS. 

services to the Government in the struggle for national life and 
unity which was impending. He gave np at once his business 
engagements, relinquished all his prospects of fortune, and 
enira2:ed at once in earnest efforts to enlist men for the service. 
He received, in May, 1861, from Gov. Morgan, a commission as 
First Lieutenant in the Eighteenth Regiment New York Volun- 
teers, then under the command of the late lamented Col. Wil- 
liam A. Jackson, and entered at once upon the duties of his 
station. 

The course of Mr. Rogers, in thus promptly offering himself 
upon the altar of his country, called out the warmest approba- 
tion of his friends. Kindly offers of aid were tendered him on 
all sides. The ladies of his father's congregation sent him a 
handsome sum towards the expenses of his outfit. A number 
of the most prominent and respected merchants of Albany, mem- 
bers of the Board of Trade, gave him a public reception, and 
presented him with a purse containing five hundred dollars in 
gold. The following account of the proceedings appeared in the 
Albany daily papers of that date. 

presentation to LIEUT. THEODORE C. ROGERS. 

There was an unusually large attendance at the Rooms of the 
Board of Trade this morning, and among the attendance a large 
number of ladies — relatives and friends of Lieut. Rogers, who 
had been attracted thither to witness the presentation of a purse, 
containing 2fold coin to the amount of five hundred dollars to 
that gentleman, from his friends and members of the Board of 
Trade. 

Just at the close of the business hour, the President of the 
Board, James N. Ring, Esq., called the meeting to order, and 
after stating the object introduced Jeremiah Waterman Esq., to 
Lieut. Theodore C. Rogers, when the former addressed the lat- 
ter as follows : 

"Lieut. Rogers — I have been requested, on the part of your 
friends, members of the Board of Trade, to present you with a 
purse of gold as an expression of their regard to you personally, 
}md of their appreciation of the devotion and loyalty which have 



CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGEKS. 397 

prompted you to offer yourself as a soldier in these times of our 
country's peril. 

" For the sake of the land which we love, you have cheerfully 
sacrificed a position of great promise, which you filled with so 
much credit to yourself, and in which you have gathered around 
you the respect and attachment of those who have known you 
the best. 

" You have given up at the call of your country the enjoyments 
of your home, the society of your kindred and friends, the plea- 
sant intercourse with those of us who have been associated with 
you in business, and you have laid upon the altar of our beloved 
land the best and noblest gift which the heart of a patriot could 
give. 

" You go from among us to encounter the privations and perils 
of the field of l)attle, and to stand up for the cause which we 
believe to be the cause of God, and truth, and justice; to pre- 
serve from the hand of the traitor, the noblest form of govern- 
ment which ever blest the world. But you go not alone — the 
prayers and benedictions of your loving and beloved parents, 
who have not withheld the best gift of their eldest son — the 
blessings of the church with which j^ou are connected, and our 
best wishes, which we tender you at this time — these associations, 
which you cannot and would not forget, will strengthen you in 
the path of duty which you have chosen. 

" We shall miss your presence in the places where we have 
long and pleasantly been associated; but we shall rejoice that we 
have so good a representative in other scenes, where the battles 
of our country are to be fought, and where, we trust, the stand- 
ard of our country shall wave in triumph. 

"We are well enough acquainted with you to know that you 
will do your whole duty manfully and fearlessly. 

"The sacrifices you have made — the devotion to your country 
which we have witnessed — tell us Avhat we may ex^Dect, as we 
shall follow you wherever your lot shall be cast in these times 
of conflict. 

" Here, as in other places, you will be remembered. We will 
welcome you with joy and cordial affection, when, as we trust, 



398 CAPT. THEODORE C. EOGEES. 

you will return again with honor from the field of battle, or if 
we shall hear the sad tidings that you have fallen in the conflict, 
rest assured that in our heart of hearts we shall ever cherish the 
memory of your devotion and loyalty." 

During the remarks of Mr. Waterman, quietness pervaded the 
rooms, and upon concluding, Lieut. Rogers, with apparent feel- 
ings of deep emotion, replied: 
"Mr. Waterman, and Gentlemen of the Board of Trade: 

" It is utterly impossible for me to express to you the feelings 
which fill my heart on this occasion. That I should have received 
from the honorable body which you so worthily represent, such 
a manifestation of regard and approbation, is an honor which is 
alike unexpected and undeserved. I have never doubted for a 
moment, that in obeying the call of our country to sustain her 
government and defend her flag, I was simply discharging my 
duty. You have been pleased to allude to sacrifices of a pecu- 
niary and social character which this step has involved. Had 
they been tenfold greater, this expression of approbation from 
so many of our best citizens, men whom my daily intercourse 
with them has taught me to love and honor, would amply repay 
me. The feelings to which you, sir, have given such eloquent 
expression, are more precious to me than gold. In every danger 
to which I may be exposed, in every duty to which I may be 
called, next to the blessing of God, the consciousness of the 
reirard of this Board will be a source of strenoth and courage. 
It is my prayer, it shall be my endeavor, that wherever I may 
go, I may prove myself worthy of their confidence and affection. 
I thank you, sir. I thank the Board of Trade, who have honored 
themselves and me in selecting you as their organ, for the senti- 
ments they have expressed, and the substantial deeds of kindness 
which they have done. I assure you and them of my sincere 
gratitude, my profound respect, for their integrity, patriotism, and 
honorable character, as merchants and as citizens, my hope that 
they may all share in the richest benefactions of Heaven, and 
that we may be permitted to meet again in happier days, to ex- 
change congratulations over the peace, unity, and prosperity of 
our beloved country." 



CAPT. TIIEODOKE C. ROGERS. 399 

The Board, thereupon atljourned, when a general mingling 
took place, and the respective parties were congratulated. 

Among the attendants were the Rev. Dr. Rogers and lady — the 
parents of Lieut. Rogers and a large number of their personal 
friends and relatives. The affair was highly creditable to all. 

A few days since, Lieut. Rogers was the recipient of a sword, 
belt, sash, epaulettes and revolver, from his warm friend Wm. P. 
Irwix, Esq., of this city, and his full dress uniform from a portion 
of the younger members of the Board of Trade — his more inti- 
mate social associates. 

In June, 1861, the Eighteenth was ordered to Washington, 
and went into camp near that city. Lieut. Rogers marched 
with his company to the seat of war, and remained with them 
for more than thirteen months, with but a single furlough of ten 
days, in January, 1862, during which he was united in marriage 
to Miss Anna Victoria DeLong, of Cazenovia, N. Y. 

His deportment as an officer and a gentleman always won for 
him the respect of his brother officers, and he was a general 
favorite in the regiment. In the fall of 1861, he Avas promoted 
to a Captaincy. His regiment was attached to the Army of the 
Potomac, and participated in the varied fortunes of that army. 
It was a part of the reserve at the tirst battle of Bull Run, and 
was engaged in the battles of Williamsburof and West Point. In 
every field Capt. Rogers maintained an unblemished reputation 
for bravery and coolness, was always at his post, and faithful to 
his duty. His letters home during his entire term of service 
breathe an exalted spirit of Christian patriotism and heroic 
devotion to his country's cause. In the bloody and unequal 
fight at Gaines' Mills, on the 27th of June, 1862, after three 
hours of desperate fighting, as he was rallying his men for a 
final stand against the advance of fresh troops, he was pierced 
with a bullet in the groin, and fell still gallantly cheering his 
men. His wound was mortal, and he survived but a few mo- 
ments. It was at the close of the day; the battle was lost, and 
his men were oliliged to retreat, leaving his body on the bloody 
field. It was months before his family and friends could learn 
any particulars as to his death, except the bare fact. But most 



400 CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS. 

unexpectedly a friend, spending the winter at the island of Nas 
sau, became acquainted with a Colonel of the Confederate army, 
who was at the island on his way to London, who was at the 
battle of Gaines' Mills, and gave her the particulars of Capt. 
Rogers' death and burial. She communicated these to his 
father, then residing in New York, who at once addressed a let- 
ter to this Confederate officer, then at Loudon, requesting him 
to communicate directly with him. The following is an exact 
copy of the reply, received nearly a year after the event occur- 
red which it describes: 

London, May Wi, 1863. 
Rev. Dr. Rogers: 

Sir — Your letter of February 25th, addressed to me at Nas- 
sau, has just reached me at this place. I know of no prohibition 
of duty to prevent my responding to the inquiries you address 
to me, relating to the death of your son, Capt. Theodore C. 
Rogers, who fell at the battle of Gaines' Mill, on the 27th of 
June last. And, although your son was engaged, at the time of 
his death, in that invasion which has brought desolation to our 
homes and affliction to all our families, I am not unmindful of 
the legitimate claims of the widow and mother, and my heart 
does not refuse its sympathy to a fallen foe, whose conduct was 
brave and heroic. Late in the afternoon of the 27th of June, 
on the extreme left of our line, in front of the extreme right of 
the Federal forces, and in the last charge of our lines, I was in 
command of a portion of Gen. Garland's Brigade. The Fede- 
ral force had already commenced to retire, and our advance was 
rapid and impetuous. At a point a])out one or two hundred 
yards in our front, a young man, who was recognized to be the 
Captain of a company, made an effort to rally his command, 
which was retiring. He had his sword drawn, and could be dis- 
tinctly seen by us to appeal to his men to make a stand. He 
partially succeeded, and when his company halted, and faced to 
our lines, he was in the front some ten or twenty paces, and was 
thus thrown between the two fires. Our firing was very heavy, 
and it Avas plain to us that his fate was inevitable, and in a mo- 
ment he fell. We were rapidly pursuing, but, as we passed by, 



CAPT. THEODORE S. ROGEIJS. 401 

I caused this young officer, whose guUantiy had attracted my 
attention, to be borne a few paces, and hiid under a small tree, 
supposing him to be wounded. I learned afterwards, from the 
two men who carried him, that he died before reaching the spot 
1 had indicated. 

Capt. Young, who resides at Henderson, Granville county, N. 
C, was commanding the^regiment in front of wdiich he fell, and 
he assumed the task of examining the body, to ascertain such 
articles of value as might be saved from the seizure of the sol- 
diery. I can not be precise as to all the articles found, as so 
many like events have occurred since, but I reniem])er a watch 
was among them, and three letters, one from yourself, one from 
his mother, and one from his wife. Those letters were read by 
Gen. Garl^vnd and myself, with a view to ascertain to whom his 
valuables might be sent, and all the articles, with the letters, 
were entrusted to Capt. Young, who charged himself w'ith their 
transmission to the relatives of the deceased. About daybreak 
the body of your son was buried, under my supervision, in the 
same manner in which our ow^i officers were interred. I did not 
examine the body, which was covered wdien I saw it, and am 
therefore not able to inform you of the nature and locality of 
his Avound. Nor do I know whether he ever spoke after 
receiving it. # * * j j^.^yg ^j^^^ endeavored, sir, to respond 
to jonv inquiries, and if there be any consolation derived by 
you from the testimony of those who, by his position, were made 
his enemies, this testimony to the brave and gallant conduct of 
your son is readily accorded by. Yours, sir, very respectfully, 

D. N. McRAE. 

The watch spoken of in the above was conveyed to his 
parents, after the close of the war, by Capt. Young. His naked 
sword was carried from the field by one of his men, and for- 
warded to his father. These are all that is left to them, excei)t 
the precious memory of a nol)le son, who was to them all that 
a sou could be to his parents, and over whose heroic death as a 
Christian patriot they "sorroAvnot, even as those which have 
no hope." 

26 



402 CAPT. EUGENE YA^S SANTVOOED. 



XXYII. 
CAPTAIN EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD. 

The subject of the following sketch was not a native of the 
county of Albany, and hence it does not come strictly Avithin the 
limits prescribed in the design of this volume; yet, as his home 
was almost on the line separating Albany and Greene counties, 
and as his father, the Rev. Staats Van Santvoord, had served 
as a minister in the former county for upwards of twenty-iive 
years, in connection with the Reformed Dutch Church of Ones- 
quethaw, and of Jerusalem for ten years of this period, it is 
thought to be quite proper to embrace his name among the gal- 
lant men, whose services to the country find here a brief memorial. 

Eugene Van Santvoord, son of the clergyman mentioned 
above, was born at New Baltimore, March 6, 183(3. He enlisted 
in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment N. Y. V. at Troy, 
September 16, 1862, and was duly mustered in on Staten Island, 
October 6, 1862. Starting as Sergeant Major, he was promoted, 
for his gallant bearing and devotion to the cause he had espoused, 
to the rank of Second Lieutenant, November 29, 1863; to that 
of First Lieutenant, August 13, 1864; and to that of Captain, 
March 21, 1865. 

His regiment, commanded b}^ Col. Buell at the time, was at 
once ordered to Washington, and after being encamped for 
several weeks near Chain Bridge, was detailed to do provost 
guard duty in the city. On April 15, 1863, it was ordered to 
proceed to Norfolk, thence to Suffolk, and on the Edcnton road, 
on the 24th, it first found itself in face of the enemy, and expe- 
rienced the shock and collision of opposing forces. From this 
time till April, 1864, wdien the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth 
Regiment was ordered to proceed from Florida, where it then 



CAPT. EUGENE V.\N SANTVOORD. 403 

was, to Yorktown, Va., to form part of the Army of the Poto- 
mac, and share in the grand, final struggle which was to result in 
the overthrow of the rebel confederacy, this regiment was con- 
stantly engaged in energetic and most efficient service. It made 
several expeditions up the Black river; was at White House 
Landing; at Hanover Junction; ofl' Charleston Harbor, at Folly 
and Morris Islands — at the latter place acting as a guard to tlie 
men working in the trenches, and under a heavy artillery tire 
from Forts Sumter, Gregg, Johnson and Wagner. 

After Gen. Seymour's disaster at Olustree, they were ordered 
to Florida, where, with other reinforcements, they had a successful 
encounter with the eneni}', driving him back with consideralde 
loss. Thence proceeding to Virginia, the regiment, as already 
stated, became incorporated with the army under the immediate 
connnand of Gen. Gr^vnt, and took part in that great series of 
conlh'cts which, in the end, dashed the rebellion to pieces, as with 
the crash of a thunderbolt. 

The regiment to which Capt. Van Santvoord belonged, was 
engaged in nineteen battles, besides several skirmishes, more or 
less bloody, during the three years of its service. After joining 
the Army of the Potomac, its record of actions in which it bore 
itself with distinguished and uniform gallantry, is as follows: 
Walthal Junction, May 7, 1864; Chester Station, Drewin's Bluff, 
Bermuda Hundred, Coal Harbor (Avhere Capt. V. S. received a 
wound in the knee), Petersl)urg Heights, where, at the explosion 
of the mine, his regiment supported the advance; Petersburg, 
June 30th; Mine Hill, Dutch Gap, Strawberry Plain, New Market 
Heights, Fort Fisher and Wilmington, N. C. 

At the taking of Fort Fisher, Capt. Van Santvoord displaj^ed 
conspicuous gallantry, for which he received the warm com- 
mendation of his commanding officer. By the blowing up of the 
magazine of the Fort, after its capture, Capt. Van Santvoord 
and many of his regiment, who were nearest the scene of the 
frightful disaster, were completely buried in the masses of 
earth and ruins which were hurled upon them l)y the terrific 
energy of the explosion. Some seventy of his regiment, of whom 
four were officers, lost their lives by this horrible catastrophe. 



404 CAPT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD. 

Among those reported killed, the "Albany Evening Journal" 
included the name of Capt. Van Santvoord, and for several days 
his family mourned him as among the victims, whom, having 
escaped the lire of battle, a more dreadful fire was permitted to 
slay. Shortly afterward, his friends were gladdened by letters 
from him, apprising them of his safety. Among these, is one to 
a female friend, giving an account of the horrors of the explosion, 
as well as of the capture of the Fort, some extracts from which 
will be found to possess more than ordinary interest: 

Fort Fisher, Federal Point, Jan. 20, 1864. 

Dear A. — You are no doubt anxiously looking for a letter, as 
you have by this time the accounts of the battle and victory at 
this place. I would have written a day or two ago, but I was so 
badly oft" from injuries received here, that I was scarcely able to 
scrawl a few lines to mother to assure her of my safety. 

We made the charge about eleven o'clock of the 15th, and 
even after we had taken a portion of the fort, the fight was kept 
up inside till about six p. m., when the whole was surrendered. 
Never during the war do I think there was displayed such stern 
determination, and stubborn fighting on the part of our troops. 

The ground we fought over was contested and yielded inch by 
inch, and tlie fort itself is, I think, one of the largest and strong- 
est in America. The sea and land forces together extended 
nearly a mile, and at short intervals stood a bomb-proof that no 
shot or shell could knock down. The fort mounted between 
sixty and seventy guns of heaviest calibre, and contained also a 
great many light artillery pieces, great quantities of ammunition, 
and small arms. The prisoners captured amounted, as near as I 
could learn, to about twenty-five hundred, officers and men, among 
whom was Major General Whiting. 

It is decidedly one of the most brilliant victories of the war, 
and no doubt one of the severest blows to the rebellion. The 
w^orn-out victors lay down to rest inside the fort, rejoicing over 
their hard-earned success. But great God! what a scene occurred 
the next morning at seven o'clock! I was sitting with the regi- 
ment and talkino; to one of our otficers, when the ground trem- 



CAIT. EUGEXE VAN SANTVOOED. 405 

bled under me as from the shock of an earthquake. This was 
followed by a most fearful explosion. I looked up and saw be- 
fore me a huge column of earth, and the next moment found 
myself l)uried alive. I have faced death, dear A., in a great 
mau}^ forms, but never have I experienced before, or can I ever 
forjret the horrors of that moment. The first thouj^ht that 
occurred was "have I escaped death in the battle yesterday to 
die in this horrid manner?" I attempted to dig the earth with 
my hands, but could accomplish nothing. I resigned myself to 
die, when the thought struck me that I might not be buried so 
deep, but that I could work my hand through to the surface. I 
tried and succeeded. I instantly dug a hole with that hand to 
my mouth, and oh what a thrill of joy I experienced, w^hen I 
inhaled the drauoht of fresh" air that rushed in. I cried out for 
help which was near at hand, and I was soon taken out with no 
bones broken, but my left arm l)ad]y injured, and my body much, 
though not seriously, bruised. 

The officer to whom I was talking at the time of the explosion, 
had his arm broken. Our Colonel (now Gen. Alden), was blown 
a great distance, and injured so badly that the surgeons think it 
impossible for him to recover. Four of our officers were killed 
outright, and live others badly injured. Between sixty and 
seventy of our men were blown up, nearly all of whom w^ere 
killed. They have been digging out the dead, and I don't think 
have found them all yet. 

The sight the next day was horrible, to see the mangled 
remains of so many of our brave boys, who had fought so gal- 
lantly and survived the battle. 

In the first part of the charge, we lost our brigade commander, 
Col. Bell, who was killed while leading his lirigade. His term 
of s(;rvice had expired the day previous; and he was urged not 
to go into the %ht, but he did go and was killed. We all feel 
his loss most deeply, for he, as well as our Colonel, was beloved 
by all. Ever sincerely yours, EUGENE. 

In a letter written to his mother, from before Petersburg, after 
one of the bloody struggles which marked the expiring agonies 
of the rebellion, he writes thus: 



40G CAPT. EUGENE V^VN" SAXTVOORD. 

"Knowing yonr anxiety to bear from me, now that we are in 
front of the enemy, I .snatch space to write you a few lines, as 
there will be an opportunity to send them this evening. O, my 
clear mother, the scenes of blood and carnage I have passed 
through the last Aveek, are fearful to look back upon. Last 
Saturday we were ordered out to attack the enemy, who were in 
large force on the Richmond and Petersburg; railroad. After a 
fight of four hours we drove them away from the road, burnt 
the bridge, and tore up several miles of the track. Our loss in 
killed and w^ounded amounted to six hundred. Sunday and 
Monday we were permitted to rest. On Tuesday we were again 
ordered out on the Richmond turnpike, ten miles from the city. 
We were met by a large force of the enemy, and the battle com- 
menced. I was placed on the extreme advance with my com- 
pany, to support a battery, and was instructed to hold the posi- 
tion as long as possible. The rebels marched up in solid column 
to within al)0ut sixty yards, when they opened fire upon us. At 
the first volley I was hit by a glancing shot and struck to the 
ground; but my wound was slight, and I staggered to my feet 
again, and cheered the boys on. I shall never forget the pitiful 
looks of my poor brave men, as they fell killed and wounded on 
all sides of me. 

We held the position until the Major came and ordered us to 
fall back, which we did, and were soon met by the Seventh 
Connecticut, who were coming upon the double quick. Being 
thus reinforced, we turned upon them again and drove them 
away from the guns they were in the act of taking off the field. 
I had out of my whole company, when the aftair w^as over, only 
fifteen men left. Some have since come up, l>ut the greater por- 
tion of my brave boys fell. I can scarcely keep back the tears 
as I think of it. Men whom I had drilled and been associated 
with so long, who loved and respected me, are now among the 
slain. My clothes were pierced with bullets and almost torn 
from my l^ack; liut all the iujury I sustained w^as a slight scratch. 

Dear mother, I feel thankful indeed to that Providence who 
watches over us all, for my miraculous escape. I have not slept 



CATT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD. 407 

for the last three nights, and I am now on ])icket clnty and obliged 
to be constantly on the alert to guard against an attack from the 
front. Yours ever, EUGENE. 

Such was the character of the service that, with his regiment, 
he was called to perform during the fearful months that ended 
so triumphantly for the national arms. In the toils, exposures 
and perils of that memorable campaign, he performed his part 
constantly and cheerfully, as a good and faithful soldier should, 
and was cheered by the frequent and hearty encomiums which 
his zeal and liravery won from those under whom he served. 
The following testimonial from General Alden, who was in com- 
mand of his regiment, will serve to exhibit the estimate in which 
his character and services were held: 

"I was, perhaps, as intimately acquainted with Captain Eugene 
Van S^^tvookd as w\th. any of the officers of my late command, 
and the news of his accidental death, after safely passing through 
the terrible three years' ordeal of fire and blood in his country's 
service, occasioned no deeper sadness in the heart of any one 
than in my own, except, perhaps, among his own kindred. The 
Captain first entered the army with the One Hundred and Sixty- 
ninth Eegiment New York Volunteers, September, 1862, with 
the rank of Sergeant-Major, and the facility with which he com- 
prehended and discharged the duties of that ofiice, gained the 
confidence and respect of his commanding officers; and his 
uniform courtesy and kindness won for him the respect and love 
of all the officers and men of the reo-iment." 

As a merited reward for the ability and fidelity with which he 
discharged his various military duties, the Captain was speedily 
promoted through all the intermediate grades to the rank which 
he was finally mustered out of the service. As an Actinof JReo-i- 
mental Adjutant, as Company Commander, Captain Van Sant- 
vooRD served with distinguished gallantry in many hard-fought 
battles, in which he uniformly exhibited the sterling qualities of 
a brave and conscientious soldier. 

Among the most prominent of Captain Van Santvoord's char- 



408 CAPT. EUGENE V^m SANTVOORD. 

actoristics as an officer, were extraordinary coolness and bravery 
in emergencies, and great perseverance ind leterminatiou when 
snrronnded with difficulties and dangers — characteristics which 
eminently fitted him for a successful military officer. While 
under the most destructiA'e fire of the enemy, he never lost his 
self-command; and in the exercise of command over his com- 
pany, he was stern, emphatic, and unimpassioued. As a tactician 
and disciplinarian. Captain Van Santvoord was rarely surpassed, 
ready and prompt in the execution of all the commands of his 
commanding officers, sympathizing and vigilant in providing for 
the comfort of his men, and courteous and gentlemanly in all 
his intercourse with officers and men, his memory will long be 
cherished, and l)y none more than his late commander. 

ALOXZO ALDEN, Brevet Brig. General, 

Late Colonel I'oWt iV". Y. Vols. 

The manners of Captain Van Santvoord were frank and manly, 
his disposition kind and genial, his heart Avarm and sympathetic. 
These qualities made many attached friends in the army not only, 
but in the circle of the home community where he was longest 
and most intimately known. He was as generous as he was 
brave, and as ready to render acts of kindness to those needing 
them, as to face the eneni}^ on a perilous field. Affectionate and 
dutiful as a son, his memory will remain green in parental hearts 
wdiich his early loss has lacerated. Though not a member of 
the church, his training had been a Christian one, and its influ- 
ence was felt and shown amid all the exciting scenes and turbu- 
lent transitions of his soldier life. In his communications to his 
friends, he acknowledges with deep gratitude that overruling 
Providence to which individuals as Avell as armies must owe 
safety and success, and which had mercifully preserved him amid 
imminent perils and fearfully frequent deaths. 

While encamped at Folly Island, he aided in extemporizing a 
little chapel, wherein the worship of God might be statedly 
deserved during their stay in that quarter. He had high regard 
for the Chaplain by whom the services were conducted, aiding to 
make his work pleasant and effective. And being fond of nuisic 



CAPT. EUGENE VAX SAXTVOOKD. •409 

and skilled in its performance, he organized a choir of singers 
from his company, and himself led in that part of the stated 
devotions. His little testament, which was his close companion 
daring the war, seemed nearly worn out Math use, and various 
folds are found in its leaves to mark passages from which, as it 
appeared, he had drawn refreshment, or which had struck him 
as specially ai^plicable to situations of difficulty or danger. Be- 
fore entering on an engao^ement where the hazards to life looked 
most imminent, he was wont to put up an ejaculatory prayer to 
Him who holds the issues of all lives, and tiien felt strong and 
confident as he went forth to yield his life, if it were so ordered, 
a sacrifice on the altar of his country. 

But he passed safely through the war, and rejoiced to greet 
rejoicing friends, the conflict ended and peace restored, in the 
loved home of his childhood. The J03" and gratulations, however, 
were short-lived. Like Colonel Bowers and Lieut. Col. McKee, 
and many another brave spirit, he escai)ed all the perils of war 
and battle, only to be smitten down suddenly, when in the midst 
of perfect seeming security. 

Captain Van Santvoord was making his arrangements to go 
into business with a friend, near Savannah, Ga., and a few days 
from the time his death occurred they were to take their depart- 
ure. On his way from New York, on the loth of Noveml)cr, to 
his home, l)usiness detained him for a nii>ht at Newburo-h. After 
retiring for the night, at his hotel, an alarm of fire was suddenly 
raised, when rushing as it is supposed from his room, in his 
haste and in the dark, he encountered and fell over the baluster, 
being precipitated to the floor below, receiving fatal injuries, the 
efl'ect of which he survived only a few hours. His life was 
quenched almost as suddenly as if struck out amid the actual 
shock of the raging conflict. The pain of the blow had been 
less to survivors in the latter case, for wdiere danger is looked 
for, and none are exempt, the mind is prepared for a result that 
is not unexpected. But the same Providence, wise and kind, 
controls death in whatever form it comes, and Faith, looking up 
trustingly to the infallible Disposer, finds consolation still, in 
uttering, " even so. Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." 



410 CAPT. MILLIAM J. TEMPLE. 



XXVIII. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM JAMES TEMPLE. 

Our city has not given to the war a more brilliant intellect, or 
more splendid mental attainments than were possessr'd by this 
young hero. Though he died just as he was entering upon his 
twenty-first year, still he lived long enough to prove his power 
of thought, his capability of rapid acquisition in knowledge, and 
his ability to attain the highest rank in any profession or depart- 
ment of literature or science, to which he might devote his 
energies. His genius, too, seemed to shed its lustre and its 
refining influence upon his whole nature. Capt. Temple was a 
gentleman of elegant and polished manners, winning address, 
and nolde and generous impulses. He partook of the traits of 
his distinguished father, Col. Temple, who was governed by a 
high sense of honor, as well as a pure patriotism. 

He was 1)oru in Albany, March 29th, 1842, and was the son of 
Col. Robert Emmet Temple and Catharine James, daughter 
of the late Wm. James, of Albany. At an early age he Avas sent to 
a boarding school, and Avas successively luider the care of Mr. 
Watson, at Kinderhook, N. Y.; Dr. Thomas REiVD, of Geneva; 
and Mr. A. N. Skinner, of New Haven. 

He entered Yale College, and left there in November, 1858. 
At the commencement of the Avar, j\Ir. Temple Avas a student at 
Harvaid College, and at the call of his Nation, he left all to serve 
her interests. He enlisted in the regular army in 1861, and he 
gaA'C the fire of his genius, and ardor of his patriotic heart, to 
the Avork of su])duing the rebellion. Though l)ut nineteen years 
of age, he had the maturity of manhood, the skill of an expe- 
rienced officer, and the bravery of a veteran in the service. Offi- 
cers, who Avere associated Avith him, have said that they never 



CArX. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE. 411 

saw such coolness displayed upon the battle field as he mani- 
fested. He moved among cannons and exploding shells with as 
much ease and calmness as he would among a circle of friends in 
a drawing room. Had his life been spared, he would doubtless 
have dealt some heavy blows upon the monster that was seeking 
to tear out the vitals of our Republic, and the soul of liberty. 
But in the bloom of youth; in the dawn of his splendid genius 
and unconquerable In'aveiy; at the moment the inspiration of a 
lofty patriotism filled his soul, he fell a martyr to the cause that 
represents to the world liberty, education, religion and all the 
elements that confer righteousness, peace and happiness upon a 
Nation. 

He was killed at Chancellorsville May 1, 1863, by a shot 
through the heart, and was buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery 
on the 25th of May, 1863. His funeral took place from St. 
Peter's Church, and was attended by the Governor and his staff', 
several army otficers, and a large number of relatives and friends. 

We regret that we have not been able to obtain the materials 
for an extended sketch of this gifted, interesting and patriotic 
young officer, and one that would form a just tri(>ute to his 
worth aud valor; but after repeated and earnest efforts, we have 
been able to obtain only the limited information that we present 
in this brief article. We can only add the following extract 
of a letter from Capt. Augustus Bakker, relative to the death of 
our departed hero, and an article and a letter taken from our 
daily newspaper: 

Capt. Barker saj-s: 

' It was only on my arrival from a Richmond prison, at Anna- 
polis, where I met my father, that I first learned of the painful 
tidings of Willie Temple's sad fate. A brother's death could 
not have had a more melancholy effect upon me, as I had known 
him so intimately, both at home and at school, and lastly at col- 
lege. I knew him,oiot as a soldier, yet I have seen comrades 
of his, whose praise and admiration of him testify to his earnest- 
ness in his profession, his gallantry in action, his charms of 
mind and person, which so endeared him to all around him, even 
to his commander, Gen. Doubleday. I will mention the circum- 



412 CAPT. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE. 

stances connected with bis last moments, that can not fail to l)e 
interesting to his friends, as showing the true, brave-hearted 
Will. Temple. The liattle was growing warm, and he was lead- 
ing a detachment of his regiment as skirmishers, to ascertain 
the position of the enemy. On they went amidst the fire; 
coming to a fence, they hesitated; and he, leaping on top, sword 
in hand, encouraged and cheered his men onward, when the 
fatal bullet closed his life forever. 

"A more shocking blow could not have befallen the family." 
The following appeared under date of May 6, 18()3: 
" Capt. Temple was a young man of remarkably fine qualities, 
and with an intellect matured beyond his years. He possessed 
a brave heart and the truest personal courage, combined with 
gentle and polished maimers, and, wherever he was known, was 
universally a favorite. In appearance he was strikingly hand- 
some, with an expression of sternness or severity upon his broM', 
which seemed like the stamp of matured experience upon the 
fresh front of youth. His loss will be most sadly felt by near 
and dear friends, whose hopes and affections were thickly clus- 
tered around him." 

A correspondent, under the signature of T. AY., wrote as 
follows: 

"Captain William James Temple, son of the late Colonel 
Egbert E. Temple, died of wounds received at the battle at 
Chancellorsville, aged twenty-two. Soon after the rebellion 
broke out, a modest, attractive youth introduced himself to me 
at Washington, as the son of the late Colonel Temple, saying 
that he desired to adopt the profession of liis father. I obtained 
for him a first Lieutenancy in the regular army, and he entered 
the service animated by the aspirations which make heroes and 
martyrs. When, a year afterward, I returned from Europe, I 
inquired of Adjutant General Thomas, who had interested him- 
self in securing commissions for several young men whom I 
recommended, if lie knew anything of Lieutenant Temple. He 
replied: "I havi; kept an eye upon jouv boys, being partly 
responsible for them. They are all doing well. Lieutenant 
Temple is an excellent ofiicer." Some three weeks since I met 



CAPT. AVILLIAM J. TEMPLE. 413 

young Temple again. He had been on a Ijrief vi.sit to Albany, 
and was returning to his regiment. He had l)een promoted to a 
Captaincy, and was then just twenty-one years of age. He was 
the same quiet, modest, gentlemanly person I tirst met two years 
ago, reminding me, in his manner and expression, of an estimable 
lady (his aunt, IVIrs. Tweedy) with whom his boy-days were 
happily associated, and whose good precepts and bright examples 
imparted to children all that is virtuous and graceful. Yesterday, 
upon entering the Hudson river baggage car, at New York, my 
eyes rested upon a square, ominously proportioned box, with 
'Capt. ^yILLIAM J. Temple, 17th U. S. Infantr}^, Albany,' inscribed 
upon its lid. And there, cold, inanimate and disfigured, lay all 
that remains of the gallant young oihcer who, with beaming eye, 
elastic step and buoyant spirit, I had so recently conversed with. 
It Avas a sad and startling transition, illustrating with appalling 
emphasis the uncertainty of life — the inevital)le reality of death. 
He departed, in the glow of health, with an apparently bright 
and happy future, but a few days since; and now his lifeless 
remains, ' smear'd in dirt and blood,' are. sent home in a rude 
box, for interment, where all inherit alike their ' body's length' 
of earth." 



414 CAPT. AUGUSTUS I, BARKER. 



XIII. 

CAPTAIN AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 

Augustus I. Barker was born in Alljany on the 24:th day of 
April, 1842. His mother, Jeannette J^uhes, daughter of the 
late William James, Esq., died two weeks after his birth. 

His early life was marked by no circumstances of peculiar 
interest. Like most young men who had the means to obtain a 
good education, he passed from one school to another, until he 
entered Harvard University in September, 1859. He remained 
in that institution until the year 1861, when he enlisted in the 
service of his country. 

He first received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the 
Fifth Regiment New York Cavalry October 31, 1861. 

His second commission as First Lieutenant, was dated May 3, 
1862, and his third commission as Captain, October 24, 1862, all 
in the same regiment, and under the seal of Hon. E. D. Morgan, 
Governor of the State of New York. 

His promotion was quite rapid, from Second Lieutenant to 
Captain within twelve months, and all through his own merit, no 
influence having been brought to bear upon those in authority to 
advance him in the service. 

Up to the time of his regiment's joining Gen. Banks, it passed 
a somewhat inactive life, and without any particularly exciting 
incidents. But it was activel}^ engaged in Gen. Banks' corps, in 
his disastrous Virginia campaign, when he was so badly routed 
l)y Stonewall Jackson. The cavalry, in this instance, saved 
Gen. Banks' army, they fighting the rebels in his rear, checking 
Ihcni, and thus {'iial)ling the General to retreat to a point S(nne- 
wherc on the Potomac. Very shortly after this disaster, about 
the 1st of August, 1862, Capt. Barker was taken ill with 



CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 415 

typhoid fever, and succeeded (in the saddle) in reaching within a 
mile of Culpepper Court House, Va., more than a day's ride from 
where he started, when he was o]:»liged to alight, being unable 
to proceed any further. Having had a soldier detailed to escort 
him and assist him, he was placed under a tree by the road side, 
and w^as left alone until the soldier went into the town to get an 
ambulance, or other conveyance, (which was furnished after an 
entire day's delay,) to take him to the cars for Alexandria. As 
soon as his father heard of his illness, which was not until ten 
or twelve da}s, he proceeded at once to Alexandria, and found 
him in an extremely low condition, so much so that his physi- 
cian informed him that there was no chance of his recovery. He 
was then at the ^Marshall House, where Ellsworth was killed, a 
most unsuitable place for a sick man, and his father took the 
responsibility of removing him, in his low condition, to Wash- 
ington, having secured most excellent quarters in advance. To 
his great joy, his son began to rally at once, and he improved 
so rapidly that in a fortnight he Avas removed, by slow stages, to 
Lenox, Mass., among the Berkshire hills. His health w^as 
rapidly restored, and he rejoined his regiment the same year, 
1862, Novenil)er 16th, at Fort Scott, Virginia, near Washington. 

On the 9th of March, 18(53, he was taken prisoner at Fairfax 
Court House, and sent to Lil)by prison, Richmond. He was 
exchanged on the 6th of May following, and rejoined his regi- 
ment on the 27th of jVIay. 

In June, 1863, he wrote thus to a friend : 

" At last I have entered the threshold of manhood and must 
depend upon myself; but I shall never, I now imagine, rely upon 
the profession of a soldier longer than the duration of the war. 
I do not want to shrink from my present position until the Union 
arms are victorious, North, South, East and West, and the Old 
Flag floats once more over an entire unanimous people." 

In July he wrote thus to his father: 

Bivouac Fifth X. Y. Cavalry, ) 

BooNSBORO, Md., Jul?/ 7, 1863. ] 
My Dear Father — An hour ago we arrived here completely 
fatigued and worn out, having been in the saddle two weeks and 



416 CAPT, AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 

two days, without, food for men or horses, and with not more 
than four hours' rest out of the forty-eight. I am now sitting 
n})on a bundle of wlieat, writing upon my knee, in haste, as the 
mail leaves in an hour; and after this day the Lord only knows 
when and where we may halt again. No longer are we under 
Gen. Stahl's command, as he was relieved at the same time as 
Hooker; ])ut Gen. Kilpatrick is our leader now, and we are as 
l)roud to be led l)y him as he told us in an address after the 
battle of Gettysl)urg, " he is proud to command ms." No 
longer does the cavalry roam about the country, a small, timid, 
hesitating band, but it now comprises three grand divisions, 
under Major General's Greig, Buford and Kilpatrick. They 
are so well organized and concentrated as to be irresistible, 
when manoeuvered as they have been since the Northern invasion. 
It would be utterly impossible for me here to give you any 
idea of our late doings, but as soon as the communications are 
established with the north, watch for Kilpatrick's reports and 
the correspondence from the command. Within three miles of 
Frederick city. General Stahl turned his command over; and, 
after a grand review of four thousand five hundred cavalry and 
six pieces of artillery, by General Pleasanton, our chief, we 
were sent ofl" on our mission, which thus far has been a too 
laborious one to last much longer. Out of the last seven days, 
we have been engaged six in desperate fighting, and that, too, 
against infantrv; and, thouo;h we have accomplished our alloted 
task, we did it at the sacrifice of some of our noblest ofiicers and 
men; our own regiment to-day, mustering one hundred and fifty 
fighting men, out of three hundred and fift}^ who started out 
with us two weeks ago. One olficer killed, two wounded and 
six missing; just think of it! It would l)e impossible for me to 
tell you of our hair-breadth escapes, but, father, I assure you, 
that never before, since my enlistment in this war, have I sat so 
calmly upon my horse, resolved to fight and die honorably, if 
necessary, for my country. 

Yesterday we arrived at Hagarstown, and there awaited the 
rebel army, in full retreat, anxious to save themselves by cross- 
ing the Potomac. It seemed a cruel fate, that made it a duty for 



CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 417 

cavjihy to oppose infantry, artillery and cavalry who Avere fight- 
ino^ for life itself. After holdino- them in check fin- three honrs, 
we were compelled to yield graduall}', (the only time thus far) 
as their forces coming up rapidly, outnumbered us live to one at 
the least. A sad and stubborn withdrawal w^as ours. Not to 
speak of other regiments, which lost ecpially, ours lost that day 
one hundred killed, wounded and missing. In my own company 
two sergeants had horses knocked from under them by shells, 
one wounded, and how many of the missing ones are wounded 
remains to be seen. I only had three men after the tight. I 
found a bullet in my blanket, which was rolled behind my saddle, 
and a round shot struck so near me as to spatter the dirt upon 
me. I have to be thankful that I w^as spared when so many fell. 
At the battle of Gettysburg, we fought all day and, by keeping 
a whole division of the rebels in check, decided the day in our 
favor. Then swinging around to the extreme left we cut our 
way through the enemy, capturing three hundred wagons and 
fifteen hundred prisoners of war, and gaining his rear. Thus we 
inflicted a paralyzing blow upon the rebels and made them think 
again before a third attempt to trouble us. I could write much 
more but cannot. Your affectionate son, 

AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 

Captain Barker was captured in the Moseby raid on Fairfax 
Court House, of which his father gives the following account: 

"The facts are these: My son, at the time he made the effort 
to escape, was on a strange horse, without saddle, and surrounded 
by fifteen or twenty rebel cavalry. Watching his opportunity, 
he suddenly w^heeled, and in the effort unhorsed several of the 
rebels and succeeded in getting clear of them. He pursued his 
course, with the rebels in full pursuit, and a dozen or more 
shots were fired at him without effect. Coming suddenly upon 
a rather formidal)le ditch, his horse bolted and threw him over 
his head without injury of consequence. The rebels were upon 
him in a moment, and knowing it was useless to resist he sur- 
rendered. But for this unfortunate contretemp he would un- 
doubtedly have escaped." 

27 



418 CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 

In the following letter from Lieutenant A. B. Waugh, we have 
an account of the death of this accomplished and brave officer: 

Camp 5th New York Cavalry, ) 

Stevensburg, Va., /Sept. 20, 1862. ) 

Mr. Wm. H. Barker: 

Sir — It becomes ray painful duty to inform you of the death 
of your son, Capt. Augustus I. Barker, under the following 
circumstances: When the command left Hart wood Church and 
crossed the Rappahannock, he was left behind in charge of the 
men picketing the river, and, while on the march to rejoin his 
regiment, he, with one man, being some distance ahead of the 
column, was shot by guerrillas, concealed in the wood. Two 
balls took effect, one in the right side and one in the left breast. 
Some of his company, who were with him, carried him to the 
house of Mr. Freeman Harris, living at Mount Holly Church, 
about one mile from Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock. They 
did all in their power to relieve him, but without avail. He died 
at half past one on the morning of the 18th, being about twelve 
hours after receiving his wounds. Sergeant McMullen, of his 
company, was with him all through, and saw him buried just in 
the rear of Freeman's house, and the grave marked. McMullen 
came to camp yesterday, and I telegraphed you last night. I 
have collected all Capt. Barker's effects, and placed them in 
charge of Surgeon Armstrong, at the camp hospital at Culpep- 
per Court House. If we move forward, or if we fall back, 
before I hear from you, we will bring them with us. In the list 
you will see two daguerreotypes. They were* taken some two 
months since, w^hile he Avas officer of the day, and one is very 
natural. His pocket book and watch I will also leave in charge 
of Surgeon Armstrong, and a watch, which belongs to General 
Stoughton, which he had in his possession. If you desire to 
come on, please communicate with me, and any assistance which 
I, or any officer, can render, we will give with pleasure. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. B. WAUGH, 
2d Lieut. Co. L, 5th JST. Y. Cavalry. 



CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 419 

As soon as Mr. Barker heard of the death of his son, he went 
on to recover his body, and removed it to Albany, where the 
burial took place, on the 10th of October, 1863. 

The following obituary, and notice of the funeral, appeared in 
the Albany " Evening Journal:" 

" Capt. Augustus Barker, of the Fifth New York Cavalry, died 
near Kellj^'s Ford, on the 18th of Sept., 1863, in the twenty- 
second year of his age. 

"He was the youngest son of Willi^vm H. Barker, Esq., and 
grandson of the late Williajm JiV^iES, of this city. He was 
beloved by his comrades, as by all who knew him, for the man- 
liness of his character and the generosity of his disposition. 
His promotion was the just reward of his good conduct and 
honorable service. His valor and patriotism had been tried in 
many l)attles, and hy the more dreadful horrors of Richmond 
prison. He survived all these to perish, in the flower of his 
youth, by the hands of rebel assassins. 

" Capt. Barker's funeral took place Saturday afternoon, 10th 
October, 1863, at three o'clock, from St. Peter's Church. Itw^as 
largely attended. The funeral cortege consisted of a detachment 
of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, the City Volunteers, Capt. Mar- 
shall, preceded b}' Schreiber's band. The remains of the gal- 
lant officer were deposited in the cemetery." 

Capt. Barker's patriotism was a strong feature in his charac- 
ter. After recoverins: from a low fever, which broug-ht him near 
the grave, he returned with new ardor to his regiment. Soon 
afterwards, being made a prisoner in Richmond, where he was 
confined for two months, he came out with his heart still warm 
for his country's service. When attacked by guerrillas, attended 
by but one man, and the demand was made upon him to surren- 
der, he replied " ney«'," and received his death wound. 

We regret, in the case of Capt. Barker, as in that of his gal- 
lant rehitive and friend, Capt. Temple, that we are not able to 
give a fuller and more detailed account of his life and military 
career. But we cannot but hope that in the future, in some form, 
the patriotic services of these noble officers in the American 
army will be suitably conunemorated. 



420 CAPT. JAMES KENNEDY. 



XXX. 

CAPTAIN JAMES KENNEDY. 

Capt. James Kennedy was born in the city of Albany, Feb- 
riiary 15, 1<S33. lie was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth 
Kennedy. In early life he received a fair education, and, as he 
grew lip, he manifested more than ordinary ability. 

Before the war he w^as deeply interested in national affairs, 
and was firm and zealons in the advocacy of his political views. 
He possessed, in an eminent degree, the qualities of a leader, and 
made his influence felt in whatever cause he engaged. 

At the breaking out of the great rebellion, he was in the 
Comptroller's otRce, and was filling his position with zeal and 
fidelity. But when the flag of his country was insulted at Fort 
Sumter, his patriotism was thoroughly aroused, and he resolved 
to do all in his power to defend the flag and support the gov- 
ernment. 

At the call of the President for three hundred thousand men, 
he joined the army, and was commissioned First Lieutenant in 
Company B, of the One Hundred and Thirteenth N. Y. Infantry, 
on the 4th of August, 1862. 

He served faithfully with his regiment in the defences of the 
National Capital, until February 12th, 1864, when he was pro- 
moted to the Captaincy of Battery L, in the same regiment. 
Soon after he left with his command for the front, where he dis- 
tinguished himself on the bloody fields of Spottsylvania and 
North Anna river, by the courage wdiich he imparted to his 
men, as well as by his own unflinching bravery. 

At Coal Harbor, on the morning of the memorable 3d of June, 
in that terrible charge, when the gallant Seventh lost six hun- 
drcd of their brave comrades, he led his men over the enemv's 



CArT. JAMES KENNEDY. 421 

works, ill the face of a battery whose every shot dealt death to 
his fast thinning ranks, and there received the surrendered 
sword of the officer in command. 

Then quickly turning their own guns on the flying foe, he was 
fast achieving a victory, when the enemy rallied, and charged 
en masse on the unsupported band. They were forced to retire 
to a neighboring wood to reorgjinize, when the Captain received 
a severe flesh wound in his left thigh, from a case shot, Avhicli 
exploded almost in his face. While being carried from the 
held he exhorted his men to bravery, and said cheerfully, "I 
shall soon be with you, boys." 

He was sent home to recruit, but was so anxious to be at his 
post that he joined his regiment on the 21st of July, in spite 
of the advice of surgeons, and the entreaties of friends. From 
this time to that of the battle at Reams' Station, he was in every 
engagement. In this battle, August 25th, he received a severe 
wound in the right hip, and was subsequently captured. 

From Petersburg lie was transferred to the horrors of the 
Libby prison. Of that prison, a friend of the Captain writes: 
"No pen has ever yet dcscril)ed, no heart, except it were walled 
within, has ever yet conceived the terrible suflerings that have 
been endured in that den of misery. A prisoner in the hands 
of an enemy, defiant, imperious, cruel ! To know that the 
weakened body will be denied the common necessaries of life, 
and the prostrate spirit be trodden under the heel of tyranny! 
Waiving all phj'sical suffering, what loneliness of spirit; what 
longings for active life; what agonies of suspense for the absent 
and loved ones, have our brave men felt as prisoners of war! All 
this Avas endured b}^ the Captain without complaint. His forti- 
tude was equal to his extremity." 

His last act was to write to his beloved young wife, and two 
of his letters came the day after the news of his death. 

He died in Libby prison, of typhoid fever, September 10, 
1864, at the age of thirty-two. His remains were consigned to 
the earth l)y the hand of traitors, in the prison burying ground. 

Capt. Kennp:oy was greatly beloved by his officers and men, 
and when the tidings of his death reached them, many a veteran 



422 CAPT. JAMES KENNEDY. 

turned away, to hide emotions which are the involuntary tribute 
to the memory of the good. 

Of him it can be truly said he was among " the bravest of the 
brave," and had it been his fortune to have been called to a 
higher position, he would undoubtedly have enrolled his name 
on the brightest pages of the Nation's history. It should be 
mentioned that a commission, promoting him to the rank of 
Major, was made out, but it arrived too late. He was dead 
when it arrived. 

In the death of this pure patriot and noble hero, a wife mourns 
the loss of a devoted husband, a little daughter of a fond and 
indulgent father, and a large circle of relatives and friends of one 
honored and respected as a citizen and soldier. 



CAPT. HARMON N. MERRIMAN. 423 



XXXI. 

CAPTAIN HARMON N. MERRIMAN. 

Capt. Harmon N. Merrijian, son of Titus L. and Susan Mer- 
RiMAN, was born in Franklin, Susquehanna county, Pa., Septem- 
ber 19, 1819. Ap the early age of fourteen, he made a public 
profession of his faith in Christ, and united with the Presbyte- 
rian church of his native town. While with his parents, and a 
few years subsequent to his removal from them, Mr. Merriman's 
occupation was that of an artizan; but shortly after becoming a 
resident of this city he studied law, and was successfully engaged 
in its practice when called by his country to enlist in her defence. 
Mr. Merriman was a member of the Fourth Presbyterian church 
of this city, and was for about eight years a teacher in its Sab- 
bath School. 

In the organization of the Tenth Regiment he took an active 
and very efficient part; and Company H, of which he became the 
Captain, was largely enlisted by his influence and exertions. 

This regiment left our city for New Orleans in the month of 
December, 1862, and it was almost immediately, upon its arrival 
in that city, called to a perilous service. It was engaged in the 
earliest assault against Port Hudson, that made May 27, 1863, 
and it was while gallantly leading his company in that charge 
that Capt. Merriman received a wound, which, although not at 
the time supposed to be fatal, proved to be such in the end. He 
was carried from the field of battle, and was for a short time an 
inmate of the Military hospital at Baton Rouge. From thence 
he sailed in the steamer " Thomas A. Scott" for his home. His 
meloncholy decease on board of that steamer, together with the 
circumstances of his burial, are thus related by Rev. J. Ford 
Sutton, the General Superintendent of the United States Chris- 



424 CAPT. HARMON N. MEERIMAN. 

tian Commission for the Department of the Gulf. In a letter 
addressed to the atHicted widow, and dated at sea, July 16, 1863, 
steamer "Thomas A. Scott," he says : 

" It becomes my painful duty to announce to you the death of 
your husband, Capt. H. N. Merriman, who died at sea yesterday 
morning at six o'clock, on board the ' Thomas A. Scott,' bound 
for Xew York. I lirst saw Capt. Merriman the night before his 
death. I went into his state room and inquired after his health. 
He said : ' I am all right, but very weak from the effect of my 
wound.' I remarked that we — that is, the ship's company and 
myself, had just been holding a short religious service on the 
quarter deck. He replied : ' I heard you, and should like to have 
been with you.' Seeing that he was very weak, I gave him a little 
wine, thinking to pursue the conversation further. But the wine 
was too strong, and the servant had to be called in to dilute and 
administer it to him, and the conversation was broken off. I 
intended to have talked more with him the next morning in 
reirard to his relis^ious feelino-s. But alas ! he had been called 
away half an hour l)ef()re I came out of my state room. He 
evidently died of exhaustion from the effect of his wounds. He 
was full of hope that he would reach home, where he thought he 
would soon recover. But the Lord came when he least expected 
him. * * * 

"At half past nine o'clock in the morning of the day on which 
he died the body was brought upon the quarter deck, wrapped 
in the American flag, and solemn and appropriate funeral services 
were performed. After that we buried him in the deep — in the 
Gulf of Mexico, with many tears of sorrow for the loss of our fel- 
low-soldier, and with warm tears of sympathy for his widow and 
fatherless children, mingled with many prayers that God would 
indeed be 'the ffither of the fatherless and the widow's God.'" 

The annexed notices of Capt. Mi:rriman's death, taken from 
the Albany Evening Journal and the Albany Morning Express, 
are just tril)utes to his memory : 

" We are pained to hear of the death of Capt. Merriman, of 
this city, from wounds received before Port Hudson. This intel- 
liirence will be the more saddening from the fact that he was 



CAPT. HARMON N. MEREIMAN. 425 

convalescing, and might soon be expected home. He was on his 
Avay home, accompanied by Brigade Snrgeon Blaisdell, of Coey- 
mans, when on the second day out he died, and his body was 
consigned to the deep. 

" Captain M. hibored with great zeal to effect a prompt organ- 
ization of the Tenth when called into service, and shared in all 
its toils and })attles until he was wounded, gallantly leading his 
company in one of the earliest assaults against Port Hudson, 
lie was an ardent patriot, and has given his life to his country. 
His name will be associated with the heroes of the time, and be 
placed prominently upon the long roll of our felloAV-citizens 
Avho, like him, have shed their blood for the Union and the priu-- 
ciples of Freedom, Humanity, and Justice." 

From the All)any Morning Express : 

" Dr. Blaisdell, of Coeymans, late Surgeon of the Seventy-fifth 
Regiment New York Volunteers, arrived in this city yesterday 
morning. The doctor left New Orleans a week ago Friday on 
the steamer ' Scott,' in charge of thirty-four wounded officers and 
sixty-one privates. Among the former was Capt. Harmon N. 
Merriman, of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh (Tenth) 
Regiment, wounded before Port Hudson. Soon after the sailing 
of the vessel, it became apparent to the doctor that the Captain 
was failing rapidly, and the Captain himself was perfectly sensi- 
ble of his situation. He expressed a great desire and hope that 
he might he spared to reach home and again see his family, but 
was fidly prepared for death. Dr. B. informs us that he never 
met a man who seemed possessed of so firm a spirit and deter- 
mined will. He conversed freely of his affairs, and even consulted 
the doctor as to the propriety of saving his body, and returning 
it to his family. He died on Tuesday morning last, in the full 
enjoyment of all his faculties. It was at first decided to preserve 
the body and l)ring it home; but an examination of the ship's 
stores, showed that it would be impossible to do so, as there was 
scarcely a sufiicient quantity of ice on board for the use of the 
sick and wounded during the passage, and many other necessary 
articles could not be procured. It became necessary, therefore, 
that the remains of the gallant soldier should be committed to 



426 CAPT. HAEMON N. MERRIMAN. 

the deep. During the clay all hands were summoned for the 
funeral ceremonies. The Episcopal service was performed with 
great solemnity, after which the body was given to the wide 
waste of waters. Dr. Blaisdell says it was the most melan- 
choly duty he ever performed, and had there been the slightest 
chance of saving the remains, they would have brought them to 
this city." 



CAPT. JOHN A. FEE. 427 



mil. 

CAPTAIN JOHN A. FEE. 

JoHX A. Fee was boru in Albany, January 16, 1837. When 
the guns which were fired ajjainst Sumter echoed throug-h the 
north, and were awakening responses in the hearts of the loyal, 
Capt. Fee was at once aroused. Seeing the true position of 
affairs, and comprehending something of the vastness of the 
struggle upon which we were entering, he saw that lives would 
have to be given, and blood poured out, before peace would again 
smile upon our land. 

Conceiving it to be the duty of every man, who had the inte- 
rests of his country at heart, to give his services to the country 
in the hour of her need, he would immediately have taken part 
in the struggle, if the earnest persuasion of friends had not 
deterred him. Eestless under this restraint, and impatient at 
being a spectator only of scenes in which he desired to be a par- 
ticipant, he enlisted in October, 1861, in the Ninety-first Regi- 
ment N. Y. S. v., then forming in Albany. He was at once 
appointed Orderly Sergeant of his company. 

Upon the filling up of the regiment, they were ordered to ren- 
dezvous at Governor's Island, New York Harbor, and after a few 
weeks detention at that place, they were ordered to Key West, 
Florida, where he remained until September, 1862. 

While at Key West, by his gentlemanly manner, his soldierly 
bearing and strict attention to duty, he was called the model war- 
rant officer of that post. He secured the approbation of his offi- 
cers to such a degree, that a petition was sent to Gov. Morgan, 
signed by every commissioned officer in the regiment, asking that 
a commission be given Sergeant Fee. He was immediately 
appointed Second Lieutenant in the Forty-eighth Regiment N. 



428 CAPT. JOHN A. FEE. 

Y. S. v., then holding Fort Pnhiski and Tybee Island, Ga. Join- 
ing this regiment a stranger to all, by the exercise of those social 
qualities with which he was so eminently gifted, he soon sur- 
rounded himself l)y a circle of friends, and became one of the 
leading spirits of the regiment. 

He remained at Tybee Island, where his company was sta- 
tioned, until his regiment was sent to join the expedition under 
Gen. 8ey3iour, in which was fought the l)attle of Olustree. After 
the battle, Lieut. Fee Avas complimented for his bravery in action. 
Returning to Tybee Island, he remained there (upon the resigna- 
tion of his Captain) as commandant of the post until April, 1863. 
While in connnand of Ty))ee Island, he received a special letter 
of thanks from the commander of the district, for preventing a 
vessel, supposed at that time to be either the "Alabama" or 
" Florida," from entering the harbor of Savannah, then held by 
the rebels. Discovering her approach in the gray mist of the 
morning, he gave her such a warm reception with his thirty-two 
pounders that she quickly retreated. 

The regiment being ordered to join Gen. Grant, they united 
with the Army of the Potomac in April, 1863. At that time 
Lieut. Fee received his commission as Captain. In the actions 
that ensued, Capt. Fee became conspicuous for his bravery among 
a regiment of brave men. 

Never absent or sick when an engagement was about to take 
place, he was with his company as their leader in every engage- 
ment in which it took part. He Avas always careful, too, of the 
interests of his men, ministering to their comfort when sick or 
wounded. 

Modest, almost to a fault, in regard to his oavu actions, the 
part he took had to 1)e learned from others. 

The folloAving extracts from a letter, received from the Orderly 
Sergeant of his company, after Capt. Fee's death, will show the 
estimation in Avhich he Avas held by his company and regiment. 
He Avrites : 

" We arrived in Virginia April 23, and from that period until 
June 30, the day on which Capt. Fee received his death wound, 
the regiment had been marching, picketing, skirmislnng, driving 



CAPT. JOHN A, FEE. 429 

the enemy from his works and occupying them; night and day 
exposed to the incessant and unerring tire of his sharpshooters, 
so that one could scarcely hold his linger above a certain eleva- 
tion, without the certainty of having it shattered. Through all 
this, Capt. Fee was the cool, intrepid and skillful commandant 
of his company, ever among the foremost in the light, inspiring 
his men to deeds of heroism by his noble example and gallant 
words of cheer; and well do they sustain in the regiment the 
reputation which he and they so well have won. 

"The first battle in which the Forty-eighth was engaged in 
Virginia, was fought at Chester Hill, on the Petersburg and 
Kichmond railroad. We landed at Bermuda Hundred on the 6th 
of May, bivouacked that night, and the next morning took up 
the line of march. The day was excessively hot, and the roads 
a mass of blinding dust. About two p. m. we came up with the 
enemy, and engaged him, the fight lasting about three hours. 
Our regiment took up a position in a broken field, to reach which 
we had to cross a deep creek, penetrate a piece of woods, and 
climb a steep eml)ankment on the other side of the railroad, 
exposed all this time to a very heavy fire. In the same field, 
and within short range, was a portion of Stonewall Jackson's 
famous old brigade. They had with them al)attery of light field 
pieces, and the work began a fair, stand-up field fight. Neither 
side would yield an inch. We kept them to their work while our 
troops were destrojang the railroads and bridges. The object 
of the expedition having been accomplished, we received orders 
to retire. 

" On that day Capt. Fee acted with his accustomed gallantry. 
Always exposed, and never flinching trom the stern work before 
him, he added another leaf to the laurels he had already won. 
The Forty-eighth lost heavily, and our company lost tAvelve men. 

" Our next engagement was at Drury's Blufl", fought May 16. 
We captured the enemy's outer works, and moved forward 
towards his next line, which was of the most formidable charac- 
ter. Our line was thin, and our flanks were exposed. They 
charged us six times in quick succession, and in great force, and 
each time they were bloodily repulsed. At length they massed 



430 CAPT. JOHN A. FEE. 

their forces on our right and left, and succeeded in crushing in 
both flanks. An enfihiding tire was the result, which it was im- 
possible to withstand. A few moments before our flanks were 
turned, Capt. Fee was selected by the commanding oflicer of the 
regiment to take liis company and reconnoiter the enemy's posi- 
tion in our front. While doing so, he had one man killed and 
Ave wounded. When we returned, our line was abandoned, and 
the enemy had advanced beyond it on the right and left. It was 
a critical position, and capture appeared inevitable; but owing 
to Capt. Fee's coolness and skill, and the confidence his men 
reposed in him, we succeeded in rejoining our regiment with a 
loss of only eight or ten men. 

" Our next engagement was the battle of Coal Harbor, fought 
June 1st. On that day we marched twenty-seven miles; men 
died from exhaustion and sunstroke on the march. We arrived 
at the scene of action at the very ci'isis of the battle, and when 
victory was in the balance. Heated, weary and foot-sore, we 
formed line of l)attle. At once the order w^as given, " for- 
ward, double quick." The brigade dashed on with wild and 
deafening cheers, through the crashing of musket balls, grape 
and cannister, and solid shot. There was between us, where we 
formed our line, and the enemy's works, a ploughed field, half a 
mile in width. Beyond, and l)ordering that, was a narrow belt 
of woods, which we made penetrable, though one might suppose 
a bird would find it difficult to work its wings there. Emerging 
from these woods, the enemy, behind strong breast works, con- 
fronted us. We lost heavily before reaching this line of works, 
l)ut the boys never wavered and never flagged for a moment. 
Although death was holding a high carnival there, they kept right 
on; climbed the hill crested by the works; mounted these, and 
either killed, captured, or put to flight their occupants. They 
also repulsed every attempt on the part of the enemy, to recover 
their fine position. In this battle, Capt. Fee was conspicuous 
for his bravery; earning and receiving the thanks of his com- 
niandcr, and the admiration of his men. It was by such reckless 
])ravery as h(i displayed in this battle, that has secured his high 
position in the regiment. We remained at Coal Harbor three 



CArT. JOHN A. FEE. 431 

or four weeks; all the time at the front, picket firing and skir- 
mishino;, with occasional charging, when the army changed its 
base, and l)ya flank movement we arrived in front of Petersburg. 
From that time until Capt. Fee's death, we occupied the front 
line of works. The day on which Capt. Fee received his wound, 
June 30, there was a general charge to be made along the whole 
line. We were outside of our works, to within a hundred yards 
of the enemy's works. While getting into position, Capt. Fee, 
and five of his company, were killed or Avounded. 

" Capt. Fee was wounded through the right arm and body by 
a rebel sharpshooter; the l)all in its course completely shatter- 
ing the bone of the arm. 

"The surgeon of the regiment, it is said, failed to treat the 
wound properly. Instead of removing the arm, which should 
have been done, or at least the splinters of bone, he merely 
bound up the wound. In that condition. Captain Fee was 
removed to Chesapeake hospital, Fort Monroe. He continued 
to suffer from the 30th of June until the 11th of July, when one 
of the splinters of bone, working its Avay out of the arm, severed 
one of the arteries, and he nearly bled to death. When it was 
decided that the arm must be removed, nature had sufiered so 
severely from loss of blood, that it was thought if attempted at 
that time, the patient would die in the operation. Two days 
afterwards it was decided that the operation should be performed. 
When asked by the surgeon in charge, if he had courage to stand 
the operation, his answer was, ' I have courage to stand any 
operation you have courage to perform.' The surgeon said to a 
relative of his afterwards, ' I never, in all my experience, saw 
a man exhibit such courao:e under intense suft'erino^, as that shown 
by Capt. Fee.' 

" After the removal of his arm, the surgeon saw he must die. 
Although a man of strong constitution, nature could not stand 
such drafts. 

"During the day preceding his death, and until within a fsAV 
hours of that event, he was conscious, and supposed he was 
going to recover. A few hours before his death, he became 
delirious, and continued so until about an hour before he died, 



432 CAPT. JOHN A. FEE. 

when conscioiisnoss ao^aiii returned. Durino: this delirium, he 
was again on the l^attlefield, again in command of his company 
Now they were charging the enemy, and now shouting when they 
were driven. Then the sharp, clear notes of command would 
ring out in that abode of sickness and death, and then some low, 
murnmred words of prayer would come from his lips. 

"Within a short time of his death, consciousness having re 
turned, he liecame aware that he was dying; but he expressed no 
regret, and manifested no shrinking from the foe whom he had 
met on so many battle fields. He said he would like to live to 
see the end of the war, but if otherwise ordered he was willing 
to go. 

"The only anxiety evinced by him, was in regard to his mother. 
He feared that she would grieve too much for his loss; that she 
would feel too bitterly his death when he was gone. But he 
committed her to the care of Him in whom he himself trusted. 
Having given directions in regard to his effects, and having 
sent messages of love to each of his absent relatives, he calmly 
awaited the call of the Great Commander, whose summons we 
must all obey. Almost his last words were, ' I have given my 
life for my country.' " 



CAPT. EDWARD B. CAKKOLL. 433 



XXXIII. 

CAPTAIN EDWARD B. CAHROLL. 

This brave 3^oung officer was born in the county of Tipperary, 
Ireland, on the 24th of March, 1840, of poor, but worthy pa- 
rents. The family emigrated to this country in 1850, and since 
that time have resided in Albany. 

When the rebellion l)roke out in April, 1861, their younger 
son, Michael Carroll, entered the army in defence of the Union 
on the 19th of that month, and was honorably discharged in 
September, 18(32. He was a color-bearer in one of the New 
York Eegiments. 

The subject of this notice, the only other son of this family 
then living, entered the Sixty-third Regiment New York Volun- 
teers as a private in Company K, in September, 1861. This 
regiment was composed of Irishmen, and was attached to the 
famous Irish Brigade commanded by Gen. Thomas F. Meagher. 
Younff Carroll continued with this regiment throuoh all the 
campaigns of General McClellan in Virginia, and fought in 
almost every battle of the Peninsula and at Antietam. He was 
several times slightly Avounded; but he was severely wounded 
at the battle of Fredericksburg. In the winter of 1863, on 
recommendation of his superior officers, he was counnissioned a 
Second Lieutenant. After the recovery of his wound received 
at Fredericksburg, he joined his regiment in time to take part 
in the battle of Chancellorsville. After this fight, owing to the 
terrible destruction in the ranks of the Sixty-third Regiment, 
several of the companies were consolidated; when he, with some 
other officers, were mustered out of service, and he returned to 
Allmny to visit his parents. 

There he remained till March, 1864, when he again joined the 

28 



434 CAPT. EDWARD B. CAREOLL. 

Sixty-third Regiment as a private, and was at once promoted to 
a Second Lieutenancy. Shortly after, for valor on the field, he 
was promoted to a First Lieutenancy, and then to a Captaincy. 
He passed through the bloody campaign under General Grant 
from the Rapidan to Hatcher's Run, where he was killed in bat- 
tle on the 3d of April, 1865, only a few days before the surren- 
der of General Lee's army. 

He had been in more than twenty- five battles and skirmishes; 
and after being several times wounded, he fell at the head of his 
command while charging the enemy at Hatcher's Run. He was 
mortally wounded by a bullet that struck him in the forehead. 

Capt. Carroll was a silversmith by trade, and was an indus- 
trious and exemplary young man. From childhood he was a 
good boy, and delighted to assist by his labor his parents, and 
did much to make them comfortable and happy. 

His parents are Roman Catholics, and he adhered to the same 
faith. Without fortune or influence, except what his good char- 
acter gave him, he rose from a private to the position of Captain 
in the celebrated Irish Brigade, where all were brave, and where 
he was highly esteemed and greatly beloved. 



CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE. 435 



miv. 

CAPTAIN DOUGLASS LODGE. 

The late Captain Douglass Lodge was born in Albany, New 
York, September 22d, 1842. His parents were from Scotland, 
and came to this country in the spring of the same year. He 
received a liberal education in the public schools and academy. 
In the year 1857, he became anxious to enter the Navy, and was 
appointed from this (fourteenth) congressional district, to the 
Naval School at Annapolis, Md. After being there a little over 
a year, he became tired of the school, on account of its monotony 
and the overbearing spirit of students from the Southern States, 
who were in the majority. He returned home and engaged in 
business in a commercial house. So rapid was his proficiency, 
and so superior his business qualities, that in less than two years 
he was sent out to travel for the house. 

When the rebellion broke out, and the Government called for 
the first seventy-five thousand men to put it down, he was among 
the first to ofier his services. Enlisting as a private in company 
B, Twenty-fifth Regiment, he served his full term of three months 
and aided in building Fort Albany, on the Virginia side of the 
Potomac, across from Washington. Soon after the return of the 
Twenty-fifth Regiment, he re-enlisted in the Forty-third Regi- 
ment New York State Volunteers, for three years or during the 
war, and was appointed Third Sergeant in company A. In 
September, 1861, he was promoted to the ofiiice of Quartermaster 
Sergeant, and he served in that capacity with credit to himself, 
until April, 1862, when he was commissioned as Second Lieu- 
tenant. The regiment was then in active service with the army 
under General McClellan, in its marches across the Peninsula. 
During this time he was promoted, on account of his bravery, to 



436 CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE. 

the rank of First Lieutenant, and, on the 3d of November in the 
same year, was again promoted to the position of Captain. He 
was with his regiment in all the hard-fought battles, from the 
time it went into service until after the battle of Antietam, never 
being absent from it a single day. It is noticeable in his letters 
to his father, which were brief, that he made no complaints, but 
with a firm hope of the ultimate success of the army in putting 
down the rebellion, waited and fought with patience throughout 
the campaign. 

The army, under General McClellan, reached Yorktown in 
April, 18G2, where it worked hard and long against the enemy's 
fortifications. The Forty-third Regiment was divided into com- 
panies that did picket duty, threw up breastAvorks in the face of 
the enemy's guns, and supported the artillery. Afterwards they 
were ordered to Lee's Mills. From thence the regiment marched 
to Williamsburg, a distance of fifteen miles, in one day. Here 
they laid on their arms all the following night, and the next 
morning acted as a support to that portion of the army under 
General Hooker who attacked and routed the enemy. The regi- 
ment then moved on to Fair Oaks, thence to Seven- Pines, and, 
at last, reached the swamps of the Chickahominy, where they 
lay for some time in view almost of the city of Richmond. 
Here they endured much suffering. 

On the 27th of June, 1862, when the army was retiring from 
before Richmond, his regiment was drawn up in line of battle 
all day. The enemy with a heavy force, attempted to turn its 
position, with a view probably of cutting oft" the retreat of 
Gen. Porter across the Chickahominy. The regiment held the 
ri<rht of the line, restino- on the above named river, Avith two 
regiments from Vermont — to support if necessar}-; and for an 
hour and a half it was su])jected to an incessant and terrific fire 
of musketry. Yet it stood its ground and the enemy suffered 
severely, and at length Avas obliged to retire. Our army passed 
on safely to Malvern Hill, on the James River. After the army 
returned to the Potomac, Capt. Lodge was, Avith his regiment, 
ordered from Akwandria to the Shenandoah Vallcv to reinforce 



CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE. 437 

Gen. Pope, at which time the brave and fearless Gen. Kearney 
was killed. 

From thence across the Potomac into Maryland, the regiment 
marched to the bloody battle of Antietam. Here again the 
soldier boy was at his post of duty and danger, supporting a 
battery which was doing fearful execution among the enemy. 
While thus engaged, he and his company were compelled to lie 
flat on their faces, around and in front of the pieces, for several 
hours. While the shot and shell flew thick and fast, an order 
came for Company A to charge at double quick across the con- 
tested field, in an oblique direction, towards a house that sheltered 
part of the enemy. The shot from our own and the enemy's 
guns, was so near the ground, that while doing this, they were 
obliged to bend almost double in order to save themselves; but 
regardless of danger, they charged and secured the coveted 
place, holding it until night threw her dark mantle over that 
dreadful day's work. Then they rested, and though in the pre- 
sence of so much agony, and surrounded by such ghastly sights, 
they laid down on that field of death, and slept as none but 
soldiers could. 

The army having been reorganized, under the command of 
Gen. BuENSiDE, was marched to Fredericlvrburg, where a des- 
perate effort was made to disloge the enemy, lint without success. 
When Gen. Hooker took command, a second attack was made 
l)y the Light Division, which was composed of the Forty-third 
regiment, and several others under the command of Gen. Pratt. 
Then they succeeded in storming and taking Marye's Heights, 
back of the city. On May 3d, 1863, while making that des- 
perate charge, Capt. Lodge was struck on the sword belt plate 
and knocked down; but soon recovering his breath, he went up 
to his command, and continued charging up the hill, in face of a 
terrible hail of bullets from the enemy. His regiment had the 
right of the line, and his company (A) the right of the regiment. 
Quoting from a letter sent to his father after this fight, " now 
commenced an exciting race between the gallant Sixth Maine, 
Fifth Wisconsin, and our (Forty-third) regiment, to see which 
could tret their colors in first. The brave Sixth Maine succeeded 



438 CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE. 

in planting their colors in the fort on the left of us. Scarcely 
had their standard touched the ground, ere Capt. Lodge sprang 
upon the ramparts on our right, and planted our colors on the 
redoubt which we had stormed and carried. Then cheer after 
cheer was echoed and re-echoed from our regiment on the rebel 
fort, to the batteries on the hill in front of them." 

Again the regiment rested until the next morning, when they 
were ordered to skirmish beyond these heights. Capt. Lodge 
deployed his company, and moved through a deserted rebel 
camp, when the rebels, in ambush, opened a heavy fire upon his 
men. He gave his orders calmly, as a soldier should, until he 
was seen to throw up his arms and fall with a faint moan; a ball 
from the enemy struck him on the left temple. It was more 
than a man's life was worth just then, to go and recover him. 
His men waited until there was a lull in the firing, and then crept 
in on their hands and knees, to where their Captain lay, and 
brought him out to the rear. He was sensible at times for 
twenty-four hours, when death put an end to his pain. 

Thus ended the earthly career of the boy soldier. Though 
but twenty years old, he had all the experience of a veteran of 
several years, having passed through the several grades, from a 
private to senior Captain of his company. 

Just before the regiment was ordered to that desperate yet 
successful charge on Marye's Heights, he called his First Lieuten- 
ant to him and said: "Lieut. Davidson, I feel that this may be 
my last fight. I have been thinking so much of home and my 
sick mother; I wish I was with her. If I should fall, promise 
me that you will see that my body is sent home to my father; 
and if you should be taken, I will do the same for you." He 
called his company together before receiving orders to move, 
and told them what they were expected to do. " Boys," said he, 
"I want you to follow me in the fight; if I fall, then obey the 
next in command." And nobly they did follow their young Cap- 
tain, for when the regiment came out of the conflict, it had lost 
two hundred and four enlisted men, and eleven officers in killed, 
wounded and missing;. 

In the concluding part of the letter previouslj^ quoted, the 



CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE. 439 

writer says: "The lamented Capt. Lodge now rests in peace; 
his soul has gone to Heaven to form one of the Christian band 
who have died for their country. May their blood cement the 
Union stronger in the bonds of love. He died beloved by all 
his men. There was not a dry eye in the company when they 
heard their Captain was no more." 

His body was brought home, and now rests with that of his 
sainted mother (who soon followed him) in our cemetery. The 
mother and the soldier boy she loved so much, though parted 
on earth for a time, are at last united in Heaven, where there is 
an eternal peace. 



440 CAPT. JOHN A. MOERIS. 



XXXY. 

CAPTAIN JOHN ARTHUR MORRIS. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Albany, Aug. 
31, 1835. The names of his parents are Samuel Morris aiicl Eliz- 
abeth Mason. He was baptized in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 
by Bishop Kipp, then of AUiany, noAv of California. An aflec- 
tionate son and brother, intelligent and generous, he grew into 
manhood with the affection of all around him. His social vir- 
tues and manly character, with his fine musical abilities, drew 
many a friend to him. He was a bookl^inder by trade, and ex- 
celled in that department. Being an active member of the 
Washington Continentals, Co. B, at the commencement of the 
war, he took an active part in endeavoring to organize the Tenth 
Regiment National Guards, and urging the Government to accept 
their services. But finding this a hopeless case, he took the first 
opportunity presented of entering the service. 

On the issuing of General Order No. 52, dated Head-quarters 
State of New York, A. G. O., Albany, July 7th, 1862, he com- 
menced recruiting for the Tenth Ward company, of the "Albany 
County Regiment," and was mustered in Eirst Lieutenant, Com- 
pany C, August 7th, 18(32. Upon a vacancy occurring in the 
regiment, he was made Captain, August 19th, 1862, the day the 
regiment left Albany. 

The regiment, originally an infantry, was changed to Seventh 
Heavy Artillery (One Hundred and Thirteenth), and was engaged 
in garrison duty, in several of the fortifications in the vicinity 
of Washington, and finally ordered to the front. They were 
assigned to Gen. Tyler's Division, and on Thursday, May 19th, 
1864, the rebels attempted to reach the rear of the right flank 
of Gen. Grant's army, when they were met by Gen. Tyler's 



CArT. JOHN A. MORRIS. 441 

forces. After a severe battle, in which the Seventh and Second 
bore the most conspicuous part, the rebels were repulsed and 
forced to abandon their bold attempt. The Second and Sev- 
enth, it is said, fought with the utmost fearlessness and courage. 

Capt. INIoRRis was faithful as a connnander, and served con- 
stantly in the regiment until May 19th, 18(54, the day upon Avhicli 
he met his death. The regiment was sent into battle, and after 
charging through a wood and across an open iield, the command 
was halted on the top a ridge, back of the line of lire, and then 
ordered to lie down. The men had dropped down, and Capt. 
Morris, wl^ile exposed to the enemy's tire, was shot by a bullet 
from the rifle of a rel>el sharpshooter, which pierced his heart. 
He died without a struggle, on the field of Spottsylvania, Va. 
He was buried the next morning, at or near the division hospi- 
tal, by Chaplain Calder. His remains were brought to Albany, 
])y his brother, in the fall of 1865, and buried in the Rural 
Cemetery, with military honors. Company B, Tenth N. G., and 
returned members of Seventh Artillery New York Volunteers 
formed the escort. 

Capt. Morris was a man of strict integrity and high moral 
character. His comrades in arms, among whom is Capt. George 
H. Treadwell, of the same regiment, unite in pronouncing him 
a devoted patriot, a brave and faithful soldier; while friends in 
civil life bear with them the consolino- thouo^ht that he acted a 
noble ])art in life, and leaves a fragrant memory behind him. 

At a meeting of Protection Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, 
of which he was a im?TOl)er, among the resolutions adopted were 
the following: 

W/iP7'eas, We have received the sad intelligence of the death 
of our esteemed fellow meml)er, Capt. John A. Morris, of the 
Seventh New York Artilleiy, while bravely leading his command 
into action in the engagement near Spottsylvania Court House, 
on Thursda}^ May 19, 1864; therefore, 

Resolved, That though we feel assured that he willingly 
offered up his life on the altar of his country, and died where 
his gallant nature prompted — at the post of duty, facing the 
enemies of his country, and in the hour of victory — yet the pride 



442 CAPT. JOHN A. MORRIS. 

we feel in his devoted patriotism is mingled with sadness for the 
loss of a comrade, whose generous nature, social virtues and manly 
character endeared him to all. 

Resolved, That in the death of Captain John A. Morris, the 
country loses a devoted patriot and a brave soldier, and this com- 
pany one of its most active and useful members, who, since its 
organization, had been foremost in everything that contributed 
to advance its interests; and that while we view with admiration 
the noble example he has left us, we deeply deplore his early 
death. M. fflGGINS, President. 

R. T. BEIGHTMAN, Secretary. 

Albany, N. Y., May 23, 1864. 



CAPT. JOHN McGUIRE. 443 



XXXVI. 
CAPTAIN JOHN McGUIRE. 

On the loth of April, 18G5, just as the great southern rebellion 
was breathing its last breath, Captain John McGuire, of the 
One Hundred and Seventy-tifth New York Regiment, after having 
escaped the perils of many battles during three years' service, 
was killed by guerrillas, about twenty-five miles from Golds- 
borough, N. C, while in the performance of his duty. 

Captain McGuire was born in the town of Belturbet, county 
Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1829, of poor but pious parents. 
His father died while John was a child, and, in 1845, his widowed 
mother and John with his sister, now dead, came to Albany. 

Soon after their arrival in Albany, in 1846, John procured 
employment in the store of Mr. Kerr, who formerly kept at the 
corner of Pearl and Howard street. There he remained, helping 
to support his mother, till April, 1861, when the summons came 
for the militia to hasten to the Capital to defend it against the 
rebels. John was a Sergeant of the Albany Worth Guards, a 
company of the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York Militia, com- 
manded by Colonel Bryan. On the 22d of April, 1861, he left 
his employment and served with that regiment during its first 
three months campaign in Virginia. During his absence in Vir- 
ginia, his poor mother died, and he procured a furlough to come 
to Albany to bury her. 

He left his situation at Mr. Kerr's, at a great sacrifice, to obey 
the call of hi^ country. 

Upon the return of this regiment to Albany, he procured 
emplo^'ment in a clothing house in New York, at a good salary, 
where he remained till June, 1862, when the Twenty-fifth Regi- 
ment New York Militia was, a second time, ordered to Virginia 



444 CAPT. JOHN McGUIRE. 

by Gov. Morgan. He joined them, and was at once appointed, 
by Colonel Bryan, Sergeant Major of the regiment, which posi- 
tion he filled with credit. Upon the return of the regiment to 
Albany, in September, 1862, he at once joined the One Hundred 
and Seventy-fifth Regiment New York Volunteers, which Colonel 
Bryan was then raising at Albany, and was appointed First Lieu- 
tenant, and afterwards promoted to Captain, in the same organ- 
ization. He served with Colonel Bryan till the Colonel's fall, 
at the attack on Port Hudson. 

After the capture of Port Hudson, his regiment was ordered 
to the Shenandoah valley, where he served under General Sheri- 
dan. He remained with the army of the Potomac till Lee's sur- 
render, when he was sent to North Carolina, where he fell, pierced 
with three balls, two through the breast and one through the 
head. 

He leaves no father or mother, brother or sister, wife or child 
to mourn his untimely end. But he leaves in Albany, and where- 
ever he was known, those whose eyes will fill with tears as the 
tidino^s of his death reaches them. 

Captain McGuire was a model young man. Surrounded by 
temptation, he was never known to take a glass of strong drink, 
or utter a profane word. In his manners and in his intercourse 
with all, he was a gentleman and had a kind word for every one. 
He lived a devoted and humble Christian, an honor to the religion 
of his fathers. He was an intelligent, accomplished and brave 
soldier, and died, a warm patriot, in the service of his adopted 
country. Though he loved with enthusiasm the scenes of his 
native land, and hoped that he might one day aid in erecting the 
flag of freedom and independence over the graves of his fathers 
and kindred, still he proved by his acts that he was ready at all 
times with his life, to maintain the honor of his adopted country. 



CAPT. NATHANIEL WRIGHT. 445 



XXIVII. 

CAPTAIN NATHANIEL WRIGHT. 

Captain Wright was born in the State of Ohio, in Kirtlancl, 
Lake County. In 1853, when about seventeen years of age, he 
came to Albany, to act as clerlv in the store of his uncle, the late 
Nathaniel Wright; in whose employ he continued until the 
death of his uncle. Afterwards he was in the employ of his suc- 
cessors, Messrs. Woodward & Hill, until he offered his services' 
in the cause of his country. 

Although not a professor of religion, he was a young man of 
good moral character, strict integrity, generous impulses, and 
was beloved in an unusual degree by those who enjoyed his 
acquaintance. In fact, there was something peculiar in his frank 
and yet reserved and quiet manner, that inspired a very w^arm 
friendship, so that " Natty," as he was ftmiiliarly called, could 
always count upon the aid of his friends. 

His peculiar personal popularity was evinced by his success 
in recruiting his company at perhaps the most difficult time 
during the war; and it was evidently appreciated by his superior 
officers, as he was sent back to Albany to recruit the regiment, 
Avhen the Government decided to make of it a heavy artillery 
regiment. 

As to his motives in volunteering, I feel confident they were 
those of the purest patriotism: and this is confirmed by the 
fact that his services were so highly valued and so promptly 
rewarded by his advancement, both in position and salary. 

He was mustered in the service of the United States, August 
11th, 18G2, as First Lieutenant, Battery F, Seventh Regiment, 
N. Y. V. Artillery, Col. Leavis O. Morris. He was first stationed 
at Fort Pennsylvania, and afterwards at Fort Reno, where he 



446 CAPT. NATHANIEL AVRIGHT. 

remained until May 15th, 1864, when he was ordered with the 
regiment to report to Gen. Meade in the Army of the Potomac. 
Arriving at Spottsylvania about midnight. May 17th, they were 
assigned to the Second Army Corps, Gen. Hancock. After par- 
ticipating in the following desperate engagements: Fredericks- 
burg Road, May 19; North Anna River, May 23d and 24th; 
Tolopotomy Creek, May 31st and June 1st; Coal Harbor, June 
3d to 10th; Petersburg, June 16th; Petersburg affair, June 22d; 
Deep Bottom, July 26th and 27th; Deep Bottom, August 12th 
to 18th; he was killed at Ream's Station, August 25th, 1864, 
and as our forces were driven back, his body fell into the hands 
of the enemy. He was shot through the body, and as Major 
Murphy raised him up, he stretched out his hand, and grasping 
the hand of the Major held it until he expired. He died like a 
'hero, without a murmur, and deserves a far more extended sketch 
than this brief tribute. 



CAPT. JOHN SULLIVAN. 447 



XXXVIII. 

CAPTAIN JOHN SULLIVAN. 

This brave young man was born in the town of Belturbet, 
county Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1837, and was the son of 
Ann and Francis Sullivan, who are still living in Ireland. The 
father of John was a small farmer, and possessed of too limited 
means to be able to do more for his children than g-ive them a 
good common education, and then leave them to seek their for- 
tunes as best they could. 

At the age of nineteen, John emigrated to America, and came 
at once to Albany, N. Y., and entered the employ of Mr. Michael 
Ceummey, his brother-in-law, as a baker. 

Soon after he came to Albany he joined the Albany Mont- 
gomery Guards. He took great interest in the improvement of 
the company in discipline and efficiency, and became an excellent 
soldier himself. On the breaking out of the rebellion, this com- 
pany being attached to the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York 
Militia, he was ordered with that regiment to the defence of the 
National Capital, and on the 22d of April, 1861, he left Albany 
with his company, as Orderly Sergeant, and served three months, 
when he was mustered out, the term of service of the regiment 
having expired. 

In September, 1861, he joined the Sixty-third Regiment New 
York Volunteers, and was, upon the organization of that regi- 
ment, appointed First Lieutenant of Company K. He was at 
once ordered to Virginia, where his command was assigned to 
Gen. Meagher's Irish Brigade. He passed through the cam- 
paigns of the Army of the Potomac, in 1862, in Virginia, being 
engaged in most of the battles fought under Gen. McClellan, 
from Yorktown to Richmond. 



448 CAPT. JOHN SULLIVAN. 

At the battle of Antictam he Avas in command of his company, 
and fonght with great galhintry, losing more than half of his 
men, killed and wounded, and all the oificers of his company. 

He was soon after promoted to the position of Captain, and 
next fought at the battle of Fredericksburg, where, on the 19th 
of December, 1862, he fell mortally wounded, just as the fight 
was closing. He died on the 21st of December. His remains 
were brought to Albany, where he was buried with military 
honors. 

In his native land, and during his residence in Albany, Capt. 
Sullivan bore an irreproachal^le character, and w^as greatly 
esteemed by his associates, and respected by all Avho knew him. 
He w^as a sincere and devoted Christian, and received, at his 
death, the consolations of the faith of his fathers. 

His love and affection for his parents were conspicuous even 
in his last moments, when he remembered them with words of 
tenderness in his dying prayer. 

Such is the brief history of one of our adopted citizens, w^ho 
laid down his life to preserve and perpetuate the American 
Republic. All honor to his memory! 

The following account of this gallant oiEcer appeared at the 
time in one of our papers: 

" The circumstances attending- the death of this gallant and 
much regretted officer are peculiarly afflicting. He had escaped 
without a scratch the bloody field of Antietam, and in the terri- 
ble slaughter before the enemy's works back of Fredericksburg, 
he also escaped uninjured; but while marching at the head of 
the remnant of his regiment, in the afternoon of this fatal day, 
it was ordained that he should fall. He was struck on the upper 
part of the right thigh, by a round shot (twelve-pounder), shock- 
ingly fracturing the bone, rendering amputation impossible. He 
w^as told l)y the attending surgeon that he must die; that if the 
limb was disjointed at the hip, he could not survive the operation. 
He received the solemn announcement with the courage and firm- 
ness for which he was distinguished in the fearful ordeals he had 
passed through, and declared he would not consent to lose the 
limb, but "would prefer to die with both legs on." He lived 



CAPT. JOHN SULLIVAN. 449 

about fifty hours after receiving his wound, when his gallant 
spirit forsook its frail tenement, and sped its way to brighter 
realms. No officer in the Irish Brigade was more sincerely loved 
or respected than Capt. John Sullivan. By his cheerful and 
unassuming manners he endeared himself to all, and in the Sixty- 
third Regiment his loss is deeply and sincerely deplored. His 
body was embalmed, and his friends telegraphed to of the melan- 
choly event. His relative, Mr. Michael Chummey, immediately 
proceeded to the camp, near Falmouth, to perform the melancholy 
duty of taking it home. The respect he was held in by the bri- 
gade was evinced by their spontaneous turn out at his funeral. 
The remnant of the officers and men of the Sixty-ninth, Eighty- 
eighth, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, One Hundred and Sixteenth 
Pennsylvania and Sixty-third, formed the escort from the camp 
to the cars. The following officers acted as pall-bearers: Capt. 
Saunders, commanding Sixty-ninth, and Quartermaster Sullivan, 
same regiment; Capt. McNamara, commanding One Hundred and 
Sixteenth; Capt. Smith, commanding Eighty-eighth, and Capts. 
Cartwright and Gleeson, of the Sixty-third. Lieut. Col. Cart- 
wright, and officers of the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts, were 
among the others of the brigade who followed in the sad cortege, 
testifying by their presence their admiration of the gallant dead, 
and sympathy with their brothers of the Sixty-third, in the loss 
of a true and brave soldier." 



29 



450 CAPT. ROBERT B. EVERETT. 



XXXIX. 

CAPTAIN ROBERT BARTLETT EVERETT. 

Captain Robert Bartlett Everett was born on the 17th of 
May, 1824, at New London, N. H. At an early age he removed 
with his parents to this State, and up to the date of his enlist- 
ment resided in Watervliet engaged in agricultural pursuits. 

On the 8th of October, 1862, he was mustered into the United 
States service as Captain of Company F, Thirtieth Regiment New 
York State Volunteers. The regiment was then in the field, 
having served out about one year and a half of its tnree-year 
term. He joined the regiment early in the fall of 1862, and was 
present at the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and 
several minor engagements. At the time the Thirtieth Regiment 
was mustered out. Captain Everett, with his company was trans- 
ferred to the Seventy-sixth Regiment New York State Volunteers, 
in which organization he remained imtil the time of his death. 

Captain Everett was killed on the 1st of July, 1863, at the 
battle of Gettysburg, while leading his command into action. 
He was struck in the head by a Minnie ball and killed instantly. 
His body was never recovered, as our troops were obliged to fall 
back from the spot, and there was no mark to distinguish the 
ijrave. 



CAPT. ROBEKT II. BELL. 451 



XL 

CAPTAIN ROBERT H. BELL. 

Robert H. Bell was born in England, Lancashire, of English 
descent. He came to this country when about nineteen years 
old, and was a resident of Philadelphia for a number of years. 
He then married and came to this city. He was a wood-carver 
by profession, and was connected with the Fire Department. 
For some time previous to the breaking out of the rebellion, he 
was Foreman of Company No. 8. At the commencement of the 
rebellion, when the Twenty-hfth Regiment responded to the call 
for troops, he left his home and friends to join in defending his 
adopted country. He served at first as a jDrivate in the ranks of 
Company K, of Twenty-fifth Regiment. At the end of three 
months he returned to his home and friends, and resumed his 
occupation. 

As the war progressed, a call was made for more men, and 
Albany again nobly responded. Men were commissioned to 
recruit companies for the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, 
and among the first to enroll his name and fill his company was 
Captain R. H. Bell, of Company F. He again went forth to 
fight for his country. He was a kind and courteous officer, and 
beloved and respected by his men. He made every effort to sus- 
tain the responsible position he held, and was ever at his post 
when duty called. 

The regiment left this city August 19, 1862. Arrived at Fort 
Reno, and there remained on garrison duty until May 15, 1864. 
They then received marching orders, and left the fort on Sunday 
morning, and arrived at Belle Plain. They were engaged in the 
battle of the Wilderness, and on the afternoon of the 19th Capt. 
Bell received a very severe wound in the left leg, and was taken 
from the field. 



452 CAPT, ROBERT H. BELL. 

His leg was amputated, and the same day he was brought to 
Washington to the Army Square hospital. He lingered until the 
20th of June, when his spirit took its flight to the other world. 
His body was embalmed and brought home, and was received by 
his former friends and associates. His brother firemen conveyed 
his remains to the Bleecker street Engine house, where it lay 
mitil the 27th of June, when the funeral services took place at 
two o'clock. His remains were then taken to the Cemetery for 
interment, folloAved by a large concourse of friends and citizens, 
who came to pay their last tribute of friendship and respect to 
the gallant dead. He left a wife and two children to mourn his 
loss. 



CAPT. DAVID BURHxVNS. 453 



XLT. 

CAPTAIN DAVID BURHANS. 

Capt. David Burhans, of Company H, Forty-third Regiment 
N. Y. Volunteers, was born in the town of Bethlehem, Albany 
county, N. Y., June 24, 1840. 

After the death of his father, which occurred on the 28th day 
of February, 1854, when David was but thirteen years of age, 
the maintenance of the ftmiily devolved upon him and his elder 
brother, then sixteen years of age; and most faithfully did the 
noble boy perform his share of this duty. 

His honesty and integrity soon secured to him a situation, as 
a messenger to carry the reports of the proceedings of the Legis- 
lature to the New York papers. Next, he obtained the appoint- 
ment of mail agent from New York to Troy. He continued in 
this service until the autumn of 1862, at which time he left this 
position for the tented field, at the head of a company, which he 
had raised almost entirely by his own perseverance. 

On taking leave of his townsmen, they presented him, as a 
token of their regard, with a sword, which he carried with honor 
through every engagement of the gallant Forty-third. His com- 
mand also presented him with a valuable gold watch. 

He served with his company and regiment, in the Army of 
the Potomac, in succession under Generals McClellan, Burn- 
side, Hooker and Meade, and participated in the battles of 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettj'sburg, Rappahannock 
Station, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and other engagements 
previous to the battle of Po River, where he fell, in the front of 
that conflict, on the 10th of May, 1864. 

He was a young man of unl)lemished reputation, and highly 
respected by all who knew him, for his many virtues. 



454 LIEUT. CHARLES AV. HEALD. 



XLir. 

LIEUT. CHARLES WESLEY HEALD. 

Lieut. Charles W. Heald was born September 28, 1818, in 
Granville, Washington connty, N. Y. His parents, John E. and 
Olive A. Heald, were both descendants of Revolutionary heroes. 

His early life was a continued struggle with poverty, and often 
in childhood he was but scantily supplied with the necessaries 
of life. 

His father died when he was l)ut a lad, yet young Heald nobly 
struggled with adversity, and aided in the support of his 
widowed mother and the younger children. 

His thirst for knowledge was ver^^ early developed. After 
exhausting the meagre facilities afforded by the common school, 
he, with a scanty wardrobe, went to Poultney, Vt., to secure an 
academic education. 

After leaving Poultney, he commenced the study of medicine, 
but owing to interruptions to which he was subjected, by the 
necessity of working with his hands and teaching, to procure the 
means of sustenance, he did not linish the required course until 
he was al)out thirty years of age. 

In 1848, he graduated at the Medical College, Castleton, Vt., 
and immediately commenced the practice of medicine at West 
Haven, Vt. 

He had a trying field of labor, but Avas very successful, and 
obtained a high professional reputation. He had a robust frame, 
firm health, and was untiring in his duties, responding cheerfully 
to calls by night or day. 

Aftei- a few years' residence in West Haven, he removed to 
Albany, in hopes of bettering his fortune. Here he found the 
profession full, and he had not patience to await the gradual 



LIEUT. CHARLES W. IIEALD. 455 

appreciation of his skill. He manifested also an instability of 
purpose, that in fact was his greatest enemy to success in life. 

Changing his profession, he applied for and received a license 
as a local preacher from the Washington Avenue M. E. Church; 
but he soon saw, that the ministerial office was not his calling. 
Subsequently his attention was turned to the legal profession, and 
he graduated at the Law University of this city in 1857. 

Mr. IIeald was a great reader, and his reading was so varied, 
and his memory so retentive, as to secure for him a familiarity 
with a most extended range of subjects. Few persons, with the 
limited advantages that he had enjoyed, were so familiar as he 
was with general literature. His library was well selected, and 
contained many rare books. 

On the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. Heald, true to his 
patriotic instincts and antecedents, was among the first to ofier 
his services in the cause of the Union. 

He entered the army in May, 1861, as Second Lieutenant in 
the Eiohteenth Reoiment X. Y. V., and served with the regiment 
in the famous battle of Bull Run. He was the first man who 
was heard to call in question the patriotism and military ability 
of Gen. McClellax. He believed that rebels should be treated 
with severity, and when Virginia slaveholders came into our 
camps hunting their run-away negroes, and were aided in their 
pursuit, Lieut. Heald was most eloquent in his denunciation of 
such a course. He did not approve of that mode of suppressing 
the rebellion. 

He was remarkably frank and outspoken, and often declared 
that the war would never be a success, on our part, until a differ- 
ent system was adopted by those having control of our armies. 
His controversies were frequent and very spirited; and finding 
himself uncomfortable, he resigned late in the autumn of 1861, 
and returned to his home in Albany. 

He soon, however, again entered the service, this time as a 
private in Eleventh Battery. His knowledge of medicine soon 
brought him to the notice of his surgeon, and he was made Hos- 
pital Steward. His health failing, he was honorably discharged. 
After remaining at home for a time, he enlisted again as a private 



456 LIEUT. CHARLES W. HEALD. 

in the Second Artillery, Capt. Dawson. Here, on account of his 
medical skill, he was much of the time detailed on service with 
the sick and wounded. 

While in this company, he saved the lamented Capt. Dawson 
from capture, if not from death. Overtaking the Captain on 
foot, disabled by the kick of a horse, the Doctor dismounted and 
gave his horse to the wounded officer, just at the approach of the 
enemy. The Captain escaped, while Dr. Heald took to the 
woods, and after three days wandering, avoiding pickets, he 
reached the camp, having been several times fired on by rebel 
guerrillas. This most benevolent and heroic act, we have already 
referred to in the sketch of Capt. Dawson. 

He served in this company until the autumn of 1864, when, 
worn out and reduced almost to a skeleton by the chronic 
diarrhoea (that scourge that during the war made more sad hearts 
than any other disease), he came home to die. He lingered, sur- 
rounded by his family and friends in Valatie, until the 14th of 
January, 1865, when death released him from his pains. He 
died a beloved and consistent member of the Fourth Presbyterian 
Church of Albany, and in the full hope of a blessed immortality. 

Generous in spirit, faithful in the performance of every duty, 
cool and brave upon the battle field, he won the affection and 
esteem of all who knew him. Such, too, were his intellectual 
gifts, that he would have risen to eminence in any depart- 
ment of literature or science, had he devoted his life to a single 
pursuit; but so versatile was his genius, that before he could 
attain an exalted position in one calling, he would enter upon 
another. 

His passion for books amounted almost to a mania. He hun- 
gered and thirsted for knowledge, and in its attainment every 
desire of his nature seemed to be satisfied. 

He has left in manuscript many lectures on a great variety of 
su1)jects, exhibiting much research and scholastic learning; bui 
he has fallen. When the cause of human liberty demanded his 
services, his prospects for life, his passion for books, his family, 
were all laid on the altar of patriotism, and the name of Chaeles 
Wesley Heald adds another to the list of martyrs for freedom. 



LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 457 



XLIIL 

LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 

LiEUTEN.ys[T James Williamson was born in the town of Kil- 
marnock, in Ayrshire, Scotland, N. B., on the 2d of October, 
1829. His parents were Andrew and Margaret Williamson. 
He was a very affectionate son and brother. At the age of 
twelve years, he was religiously impressed, and he always said 
that it was then that he received "the truth as it is in Jesus," 
although he did not make a public profession until he was in his 
nineteenth year. Then he united with the State Street Baptist 
Church, but afterwards associated himself with the State Street 
Presbyterian Church, when it was first organized. He was 
elected as one of the first trustees of the church, and was inti- 
mately identified with all its interests. He was ready to do any- 
thing for its welfiire, and for the cause of Christ, that he ever 
ardently loved. When upon the battle field his thoughts ever 
reverted to the spot he so dearly loved. 

His integrity and truthfulness, his open and manly adherence 
,to principles, the large and generous sympathies of his heart for 
the suffering and the oppressed, won for him a large circle of 
friends. Although a native of a foreign land, which he always 
cherished with a loving heart, yet he was ever true to the gov- 
ernment and institutions of the land of his adoption. These he 
ever upheld when assailed, and he threw himjelf at last, with 
enthusiasm, into the contest when they were in danger. It was 
this devotion to his country that induced him to sacrifice all the 
pleasures and comforts of his loved home and the gains of a 
lucrative profession, in the hour of its peril. 

He w^as chosen First Lieutenant in the Tenth Resfiment of the 
New York State Militia, in the city of Albany, on the 8th day 



458 LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 

of July, 1861. Preparatory to the leaving of the regiment for 
the seat of war, it was changed to the One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Regiment New York State Volunteers. He then enlisted 
as First Lieutenant of company D, on the 14th of October, 1862. 
The regiment left Alljany on the 16th of December, and arrived 
at their headquarters, at Bonnet Carre, on or about the 21st of 
January, 1863. 

The first battle in which he was engaged was at Ponchatoula, 
on the 24th of March, 1863. The second and last battle in which 
he was engaged, was that at Port Hudson, on the 27th of May, 
1863. Company D went in with fifty privates, one Corporal, 
two Sergeants and Lieutenant Williamson. There he was shot 
through the brain, while gallantly leading his men to the charge, 
and he died instantly. He was buried under the shade of an old 
tree. Two weeks afterwards his remains were taken up and 
conveyed to New Orleans. There they remained until the 
autumn of the same year, when they were brought home to the 
city of Albany, and arrived on the 15th of December. The 
funeral ceremonies Avere observed on the 16th of December, at 
the Albany Rural Cemetery, w^here his remains now rest. 

Besides a numerous circle of warm friends. Lieutenant Wil- 
liamson leaves an afflicted widow, who mourns the loss of a most 
devoted husljand; but, as she trusts in the same Saviour who 
sustained him in the last hour, we believe they will yet meet to 
part no more. 

To this brief record we gladly add the tributes to the departed 
from the State Street Presbyterian Church and the St. Andrew's 
Society of Albany, and an interesting letter from Colonel 

AiNSWORTH. 

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the State Street 
Presbyterian Church, held June 11th, 1863, the following memo- 
rial was ordered entered upon the minutes: 

" Killed in battle before Port Hudson, May 27th, 1863, Lieut. 
James Williamson, Co. D, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh 
New York State Volunteers (formerly Tenth Regiment, National 
Guards.) 

1. The associates of Lieut. Williamson, of the Board of Trus- 



LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. ' 459 

tees, of the State Street Presbyterian Church, have met this day 
to give expression to their sense of sorrow at the death of another 
of their number. Within two weeks of the time that Adjutant 
Strong died in camp, Lieut. Williamson, his friend and com- 
panion in arms, has perished on the field of battle; and although 
we would Ijovv in humble submission to these successive bereave- 
ments, yet we are tilled with the deepest grief and solicitude. 

2. James Williamson was elected a trustee of this church at 
its organization — he was intimately identified with all its interests, 
and deeply concerned in its prosperity — with a clear head and a 
ready hand he thought an 1 labored for its welfare. He loved 
it with a strong and pervading love; and he looked back towards 
it from his distant field of labors with lono-ino- and rearet. 
Knowing all this, and knowing that no church ever had a more 
faithful and vigilant trustee, we are deeply sensible of the loss 
we have sustained in his death. 

3. Because he had become endeared to us all by personal 
friendship; because we appreciated his kind and hearty and 
unselfish nature; because we knew his uprightness in business, 
his benevolent disposition, and his pure and faithful Christian 
character; we loved him Avhile living, and we mourn for him now 
that he is dead. 

4. We rejoice that Lieut. Willi^oison possessed that patriot- 
ism which led him to volunteer for the defence of his country; 
that he was willing to devote a life so precious to a cause so 
holy, and that in the performance of his duties as an officer, he 
was enabled to render such noble service; and although the per- 
formance of these duties cost him his life, yet we cannot regret, 
as he did not withhold the sacrifice. 

"To the wife, who has been left a stricken widow, by this 
bereavement; to all the relatives and friends of our deceased 
associate, and to the soldiers whom he led in battle, and who are 
now deprived of his faithful and capable oversight, we extend 
our heartfelt sympathies; and we pray God to give them that 
consolation which they need, but which the ministry of man is 
powerless to bestow. 



460 LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 

6. We direct that a copy of these minutes be transmitted to the 
family of the deceased and published in the papers." 

R. L. JOHNSON, President. 
John C. McClure, Secretary. 

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE LIEUT. JAjVIES WILLIAMSON. 

At a special meeting of the members of the St. Andrew's So- 
ciety of the city of Albany, held on the evening of June 15, 1863, 
the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously 
adopted, viz : 

WJiereas^ We have learned with sincere regret that Lieut. 
James Williamson, one of our members, fell in battle before 
Port Hudson on the 27th of May, 1863, and being desirous that 
some memorial, expressive of our deep and lasting regard for 
him he entered on our minutes, therefore 

Resolved^ That we bear our cordial testimony to the numerous 
excellencies of our deceased brother in public and private life; 
his integrity; his truthfulness; his open and manly adherence to 
principle; the large and generous sympathies of his heart for 
the wants of the suffering and the w^rongs of the oppressed; the 
purity of his character; the suavity of his manners and that fine 
combination of moral and Christian qualities which endeared him 
to those by whom he was intimately known. 

Resolved, That we desire to express with feelings of admira- 
tion his ardent devotion to his country, which induced him, in 
the hour of its peril, to renounce the gains of a lucrative pro- 
fession, and the comforts of a loved home, at the call of patri- 
otism; and feel that in the death of this gallant officer, whose 
career has been thus briefly, though honorably closed, the nation 
has lost an ardent and devoted friend. 

Resolved, That we record it with satisfaction that, though of 
foreign extraction, and always cherishing with a loving heart the 
land of his birth, he was, in the truest sense of the word, " an 
American;" affiliating himself in heart and soul with the Govern- 
ment and institutions of the land of his adoption, upholding 
them in the exercise of their functions, vindicating them when 



LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 40 1 

assailed, and throwing himself at last with his characteristic 
enthusiasm into the contest when these were imperiled; and we 
hallow his memory, and will resolutely defend that paternal gov- 
ernment under which it is our privilege to live, and to which we 
owe the enjoyment of all our social and civil immunities. 

Resolved, That we tender our affectionate sympathy to the 
bereaved wife, and supplicate in her behalf the support of reli- 
gious consolation; to the numerous relatives and friends of the 
deceased; and desire also that his early and lamented death may 
be blessed to the members of our Society, in gathering up those 
solemn lessons of duty which it is designed and fitted to convey. 

Resolved, That a copy of the resolutions be transmitted to the 
widow of the deceased, and that the}^ be inserted in the daily 
papers of the city. 

JAMES DUNCAN, President. 

Peter Smith, Secretary, 

Letter from Col. Ainsworth: 

Mrs. Williainison: 

Respected Madam — I beg you will pardon me for addressing 
you at this late hour a few lines respecting my friend and com- 
panion in arms, your dear lost husband. I feel it is due to 
community to perpetuate the memory of those who well perform 
their part in life, as an example to others that may come after 
them. 

It was not my good fortune long to enjoy an intimate acquaint- 
ance with Lieut. Williamson. It commenced with his military 
life, a life brief and simple, not marked by uncommon incidents 
which attract the attention of the great world. He did not live 
long enough to achieve the high honors of rank to which his 
soldierly bearing, his talents, his industry, his manly and modest 
deportment, his spotless character, his love of truth and justice 
entitled him. 

It seems as but yesterday I beheld him in the morning of life, 
suiTounded by every comfort which means and affection can 
give; stimulated by every motive of honorable ambition, as ho 



4r)2 lij:ut, james Williamson. 

saw the future bright before him. and, with a just reliance upon 
himself, looked forward to a useful and honorable career. But 
an imperiled country called him to other duties. He was among 
the tirst, when the sound of conflict reached us, to assume the 
profession of arms in defence of the Nation's flag; and with the 
brave men who went forth to the field of strife, he sous-ht dano-er 
as a duty, and proved himself Ijrave in battle as he was patient 
and submissive. 

He was a Christian gentleman, a Christian soldier. He fol- 
lowed, wdth unfaltering trust, the path of duty to his God, and 
to his country, and leaves no enemy behind him. All who knew 
him, loved him, for his nature was gentle and genial. He w^as 
firm in honest purpose, quick to discover and defend the right, 
and incapable of wrong; and wdiile it was no part of his ambition 
to win applause, he was entitled to and received the universal 
respect of his brethren in arms. When such men die, there is a 
melancholy pleasure in bearing testimony to what they were, 
and to do so is a sacred duty to the living and the dead. 

His Captain being one of those who were left in New York on 
our sailing with the Banks' expedition for New Orleans, and 
subsequently wounded in battle, when he was sent to the hospital 
in New Orleans, gave Lieut. Williamson command of the com- 
pany, most of the time, up to his death. On our arriving at New 
Orleans, we were ordered to march up the coast to Bonnet Carre, 
La., an important post on the Mississippi river, being one of the 
main defences of New Orleans. Large numbers of our men were 
soon prostrated with disease peculiar to that country and to 
camp life, and Lieut. Williamson, besides being the acknow- 
ledged friend of the individual members of the regiment, became 
an unwearied attendant upon the wants of the sick. His assist- 
ance was freely bestowed on all sides, regardless of danger 
from infection. With a rare skill, and a joyous and genial man- 
ner, peculiar to himself, he watched with and assisted in the care 
of the sick, and administered to the dying the consolation of that 
religion he had himself experienced. 

The circumstances under which Lieut. Williamson closed his 
brief but honorable militar}^ career, were peculiarly painful and 



LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 463 

impressive to me, and his loss to the regiment deeply felt by all. 
He fell on that fearful day, the 27th of May, 1863, while leading 
his company amid a shower of iron hail, as the regiment charged 
upon the works of Port Hudson, Ijeing struck in the temple by a 
grape shot. He died as a soldier would prefer to die, on the 
field of battle, amid the smoke and flashes of artillery, the shouts 
of contending armies, and the roar of musketry, listening, as 
death steals over him, for the glorious shouts of victory. I doubt 
whether a braver or more heroic spirit has perished in our coun- 
try's conflict. "Peace to his ashes." Albany may well feel 
proud of such a patriotic hero, yielding up his life for their 
country. May He, who has promised to be the widow's God, be 
your consolation and abiding reward. 

I have the honor to be, 

Yours, very respectfully, 

IRA W. AINSWOETH, 
Late Colonel 111th Regiment, JV. Y. 8. V. 
Albany, July 4, 1866. 



464 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 



XLIV. 

LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

William H. Pohlman was born in the island of Borneo, Jan- 
uary 10th, 1842. He was the only surviving son of the late Rev. 
Wm. J. Pohlman and Theodosia R., missionaries of the Ameri- 
can Board of Foreign Missions to China. His parents were 
devoted to the sacred cause of extending Christianity among the 
heathen. 

He was also a nephew of the late Rev. John Scudder, who 
w-ent to India as a missionary in 1819, whose memory is warmly 
cherished in that country, as well as in the churches of America. 
Indeed, William's ancestors, for several generations back, were 
distinguished for their piety, usefulness and high social position. 
Dr. Nathaniel Scudder and Col. Philip Johnson were the grand- 
fathers of his mother. The former, an eminent and beloved 
physician, was unintentionally shot in the Revolutionary war, 
and w^as, it is believed, instantly killed. He died universally 
lamented, and his funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. 
John Woodhull, D. D., who succeeded the Rev. William Ten- 
NANT as pastor of the Freehold church, situated near the Mon- 
mouth battle ground. Dr. Scudder was an intimate friend of 
Mr. Prime, the grandfather of the Messrs. Prime, the distin- 
guished editors of the New York " Observer." As a token of 
aftection for his friend, Mr. Prime named one of his sons 
Nathaniel Scudder. 

Col. Philip Johnson fell a victim to his country's cause, in the 
fatal conflict on the 27th of August, 1776. Like his descendant, 
he was a zealous and courageous patriot. 

The father of William, the Rev. William J. Pohlm.\n, the 
devoted missionary, when he offered himself to the American 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 465 

Board, siiid to them: "Appeals press home upon me from all 
quarters. Three worlds unite in urging me on. Heaven, earth 
and hell beseech me to go forth to the help of the Lord against 
the mightj^ The heavenly host are looking with intense inte- 
rest, to see whether the command of Christ is obeyed by me. 
Multitudes, ready to perish, call me to make known to them the 
gospel of Jesus. Oh, then, send me, send me, send me. For 
necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not 
the gospel to the perishing heathen." 

Willie's mother, Theodosia R. Scudder, was the youngest 
sister of the Rev. J.^ Scudder. She devoted herself, in her 
youthful days, to God's service. Her paternal grandfather was 
a man of fervent piety, remarkably gifted in prayer, and rich in 
good words and work. 

While the Rev. Mr. Pohlman was in India, he lost his beloved 
wife by death, and found it necessary to send his children, Wil- 
liam and Mary, to this country, to the care of a favorite aunt, 
Mrs. McClure. Perhaps there is no trial so severe to a mis- 
sionary as to part with his children. Willie was then three 
and a half years old. The ship being detained at Java Head 
two weeks, the father desired once more to look upon his loved 
ones, but the second parting was more trying than the first. 
WllIe hung around his father's neck, weeping and wanting to 
go l)ack to his Amoy home, and the dear father had to untwine 
those gentle hands, and go Ijack to his desolate home to see the 
empty crib and the vacant chair belonging to the little ones. His 
only source of comfort was the mercy seat. He writes at this 
time: "I can add my testimony to the tens of thousands of 
God's people as to the all suiEciency of the grace of God, and 
the comforting influence of the holy spirit, under the most try- 
ing circumstances, and in times of the most bitter grief and 
anxiety of soul." 

The children arrived safely, and were tenderly cared for by 
their father's favorite sister. Under the religious influences of 
Mrs. McClure, William was hopefully converted to Christ, and 
devoted himself to the foreign missionary work. He united with 
the North Dutch Church of Albany, at present under my pas- 

30 



466 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

toral care, and lie coiitiuiied his memljersbip with this church up 
to the time of his death. 

Having completed his preparatory studies, he entered Rutger's 
College, New Brunswick, N. J., in the full of 1859. He very 
soon l)ecame a great favorite with the students, and was beloved 
and esteemed by all who knew him. 

William was quietly and successfully pursuing his studies, 
preparatory to the ministry, when the first gun from Sumter 
aroused the people to arms. He felt that his country needed him, 
and for a time there was a struggle as to whether he had best go 
on in his course of preparation, or enlist in defence of his country. 
He presented his case in fervent prayer to Almighty God, and 
after a certain period thus spent, he saw dearly that his duty 
was to fight for his adopted country. Had anything been want- 
ing at that time to fan into a flame the fires of patriotism in the 
breasts of any of the sons of Rutger's, it was when the venerable 
and noble President Frelinghuysen, with his own right hand, 
which has since forgot its cunning in the grave, raised the banner 
of freedom on the college green, and under its waving folds, his 
voice rang out in clarion tones for freedom, and law and right. 
Said he, " we must fight ; there is no alternative. The rebellion 
must be crushed; and then we shall once more become a happy 
and united people." 

Among the first to respond to the call of his country, was the 
much loved William Pohlmajst. He enlisted as a private in the 
First New Jersey Regiment, Co. G, May 28th, 1861, to serve 
three years. He served with his regiment until January 1st, 
1862, when his peculiar qualifications pointed him out as fitted 
for something better, than the mere ordinary duties of the camp. 
Upon the formation of the Signal Corps, he was therefore trans- 
ferred to that efficient arm of the service. 

He performed with great ability the duties incumbent upon 
him, in all the campaigns that followed until January 17th, 1863, 
when he was promoted to a Lieutenancy in the Fifty-ninth Regi- 
ment New York State Volunteers, and shortly after was appointed 
Acting Adjutant. Though a stranger to the regiment, his good- 
ness of heart and firmness of spirit soon made him friends and 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAIS. 4G7 

admirers, and it was not long before they learned to love him, 
and to anticipate great things from the brave and noble boy. 
Not one of the thousands who have laid their lives upon the 
altar of their country — now alas drenched with so much precious 
blood — was ever actuated by purer motives or more lofty 
patriotism. 

Having joined the Army of the Potomac, Mr. Pohlman parti- 
cipated in its campaigns and battles, from the time of the disas- 
trous battle of Bull Run to the fearful engagement at Gettys- 
burg. Just after the battle of Bull Run, he wrote to a favorite 
cousin the following letter : 

Aklington Heights, July IWi, 1861. 

Dearest Cousin — You need not have made so many excuses for 
not answering my letter before, for I always know that there 
must be some good reason when my friends do not immedia,tely 
reply to my missives. 

I meant to have written to you when I last wrote to Theodoee, 
but we received such sudden orders to march, that it was impos- 
sible. 

May be that I shall yet be s])ared to see you, but the chances 
are rather the other way. There is going to be a terrible war, 
RosEY, dear, and thousands of souls will be sent to their last 
account before its close. If you could hear the women of the 
South talk; if you knew that kind and affectionate wives sent 
their sick and feeble husbands to the war; if you knew that 
sisters put the musket into their brothers' hands, and bid them 
God speed; if you could see the dark eyes of striplings gleam 
at you; you would wonder where and when would be the end. 
God alone can foresee the sequel. We have already had a sam- 
ple of what kind of fighting will be required in this conflict, 
and although our men fought like hrave and noble men, they had 
to give up. Every inch of ground from here to Florida will 
have to be overcome with force of arms. Our First Regiment 
was the reserve heretofore, and consequently it is not improbalile 
to suppose that we will be the advance now; if this should be 
the case, it will be a miracle of grace if many of us return to our 



468 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

friends. I am not now writing, cousin dear, either to frighten 
you or to make you feel bad, but simply to show you how the 
case stands, so that you may be prepared for the request I am 
going to make. I doubt not that yon, as well as many others of 
my friends have been surprised at the step I Ivive taken in com- 
ing to this war; that I should have left such a good, dear sister 
as Mary, to take up arms in defence of my country. Although 
many of my friends blame me for doing it, I can truly say that I 
did it from a sense of duty, and was perfectly conscientious in 
all I did. God knows that I love Mary, although it may seem 
otherwise, aud I would give all I am worth for her good. I 
know that her whole life is wrapped up in me, and if I should 
tall it might be the means of killing her. May God forgive me 
if I should be the means of breaking not only her heart, but also 
the heart of mother. Now, Rosey, dear, I have always' felt as if 
you were my sister and it seemed so natural to think and speak 
of you as one of our family. Shall I ask too much of you, when 
I ask you to be a sister to Mary; to comfort and cheer her if I 
should fall, and if it should break her heart, will you, if possible, 
be with her at the last ? You may think it very strange that I 
should write you such a letter and make such a request; but I 
can't help it. I have been thinking of this matter a great deal 
lately, and I wanted to share my burden with some dear one 
whom I could trust. You have been the first one and only one 
to whom I have imparted my feelings, but who could so sympa- 
thize with a sister placed in such circumstances, as one who also 
has a brother in the army. I have been trying to find the 
Twenty-seventh New York, but as yet have not succeeded. 
When I do find it, I shall make the acquaintance of your brother 
and give him your message. 

Now I must stop, so give a kiss to the baby and ever remem- 
ber me as one who loves you. 

WILL H. P. 

July dOth. — Please give lots of love to Ed. Thank him for 
his kind letter to me. I meant to write him a good long letter 
to-day; but I feel very unwell, and I can hardly keep in any 
position. 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 469 

Lieut. PoHLMAN wrote frequently to his beloved sister, and 
his letters are so graphic and full that they furnish the best 
account that we can give of his military life. The following are 
extracts from them: 

Arlington Heights, July '^1, 1861. 

Our regiment was too late for the Bull Run fight; Init we had 
plenty to do in guarding the retreat of our flying army. If we 
had been two hours earlier, we might have turned the tide of 
battle; for it was only the reinforcements of the enemy which 
gained them the victory. It was such a defeat as I hope will 
never again happen to our army. 

We have on these heights a most splendid view of the city 
and river, with the surrounding country, and it looks so peaceful 
and quiet that one would hardly imagine it was the seat of war, 
if it were not for seeing so many uniforms. This war is a dread- 
ful thing, sister, dear! So many orphans left; so many turned 
out of peaceful and happy homes, to seek shelter wherever they 
can find it. Then, of all wars, civil and intestine war is the 
most to be dreaded; where those who were once brothers are 
noAV arrayed against each other, seeking to take lives which they 
were bound to protect and cherish. But then our country and 
her laws must be sustained at any and every cost, and it will be^ 
as long as there are two millions of men to suffer and die for 
her. .God has never yet let the unjust cause triumph for a long 
time, and we will eventually come out conquerors. 

Fairfax Seminary, Aiigvst 22, 1861. 
Three hundred of our regiment are here sick in the hospital, 
none of them dangerously ill, however, the prevailing complaint 
being chills and fever. I have not been affected in the least, 
and have been perfectly well ever since I enlisted. We have 
some splendid rooms for a hospital, being those which were used 
for the purposes of the students. This cluster of buildings, con- 
sisting of about twelve separate houses, was called the Fairfax 
County Episcopal Theological Seminary. Not only did south- 
erners patronize it, but also northerners, for many of the stu- 



470 LIEUT. WILLIAxM H. rOHLMAN. 

dents were from the north. At the approach of the troops, the 
buildings were deserted; most of the students, I suppose, taking 
up arms in defence of secession. The buildings are well fur- 
nished and well adapted for the purposes of a seminary. There 
is a nice little chapel, containing a line organ. We used the 
place and instrument last Sunday, and I tell you it seemed so 
natural to hear the strains of an organ again. There is a large 
library of religious books in one room. In the same room there 
is a clothes press full of women's clothing, and on a bed, neatly 
made up, there lies a black cloak, with a white collar pinned fast, 
and a breast pin to hold it together whilst the owner was wear- 
ing it. It looks just as if the lady had come in, in great haste, 
and having thrown it off, had fled. This is the way with almost 
all the deserted houses we find. The occupants seem to have 
left in great haste and terror. We are about two and a half 
miles from the enemy's pickets. Every once in a while our 
pickets meet the rebel pickets, and they exchange the courtesies 
of peace times, that is, they smoke and talk together just as if 
they were friends. 

Faiefax Seminary, September 5, 1861. 
At present we are kept very busy in building forts and breast- 
works. About three and a half o'clock every morning we have 
to get up and get our breakfast; then off we march to the 
trenches and dig from six till nine a. m. At twelve we .go in 
again and work till three. By that time we are pretty well tired 
out. Our forts begin to present a very formidable appearance, 
as you may imagine, when I tell you that twelve hundred men 
work (per day) on Fort Taylor, which is being built by our New 
Jersey Brigade. The other fort, which the New York, Michi- 
gan and Maine boys are building, has three thousand two hun- 
dred men working a clay on it. We are going to mount some 
very heavy guns on these forts, when they are finished, with 
which we expect to give the secessionists a good dose, for they 
are only two or three miles away from us. They are building a 
fort just opposite to ours, and with a glass we can see distinctly 
what the rebels are doing. We scare them often, by making 



LIEUT. AVILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 471 

them believe we are going to fire on them. The other day some 
of our hoys got four Avheels, and mounting a stove pipe on it, 
placed it in the middle of the road, about half a mile from the 
nearest enemy's battery, and then they went through the motions 
of loading and firing. The rebels were watching us, and it 
would have made you laugh to see the renowned " Southern 
Chivalry " take to their heels and run. Very soon they blazed 
away at us with seven rifled cannons. Then you would have 
laughed harder than ever to see our boys scatter. But we found 
out ail we wanted to, viz: if tlic}^ had cannon there or not. 
Why, for a week we expected an attack at any moment, and our 
company were kept under arms for seventy-two hours, twenty- 
four of which were very rainy; but they never came very near 
us. But the Third Regiment had a skirmish with them, in which 
tliey lost three men killed and nine wounded. 

Fairfax Seminary, October 8, 1861. 
You ask if I am not tired of a soldier's life, and if I am not 
anxious to return home again. I would like very much to be 
able to see you all whenever I wanted to, but Avould never con- 
sent to giving up now. I am not sick and tired of a soldier's 
life, and the charm has not worn off. There are hardships and 
toils without number; there are weary marches and sleepless 
nights; there are dangerous watches and midnight alarms; there 
are times when both food and water are scarce; there are want- 
ins: all the refinements of home life; death itself must be looked 
for at any moment; Init, in spite of all these disadvantages, my 
courage has not failed me, and I am this minute as confident that 
our cause will eventually succeed, as I was when I first started. 
Very many rushed into the army without considering what they 
would have to endure, and, consequently, would give all they 
possess if they could get free. Thus far I have found nothing 
difiierent from what I expected. 

The work of missions to which Wm. Pohlman had hoped to 
devote his life was dear to him even while in the army, as the 
following extract will show: 



472 LIEUT. UILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

Fairfax Seminary, November 1, 1861. 
Tlii.s morning I was detached for extra duty, which consisted 
in packing up the library and curiosities belonging to the Semi- 
nary. There are about ten thousand volumes, some of them very 
old. One book was almost seven hundred years old, having 
been printed in the year 1200. I worked all the morning, and 
got the missionary relics and pictures all ready to send off. 
There were curiosities from China, Africa, Asia, and every other 
portion of the globe where the missionaries of the Episcopal 
Church have established stations. Then there were the pictures 
of all the missionaries who had gone forth from the Seminary. 
No work which I have had to do has so suited me as that in which 
I was engaged to-day. Many an old memory came up to my 
mind, as I looked upon the faces of those who had taken up 
their cross and labored and died, in their Master's cause, on 
heathen ground, and I could not but exclaim: "O, what a glorious 
cause to engage in! " 

Fairfax Seminary, November 29, 1861. 
Thanksgiving day passed in quietness, and, by some wonderful 
chance, I did not happen to be on guard duty, so I had the day 
to myself. Our bill of ftire was not so very extensive, but then 
we imagined that we were in some vast eating saloon, and so we 
kept calling for "bean soup, bread and strong butter," and that 
best of brewed liquors " water." Then, as no darkies came forth 
at our summons, we would, forsooth, be our own waiters and 
help ourselves to the above mentioned dainties. Well, it is a 
good thing to have a fertile imagination and a good appetite, but 
every once in a while I got thinking of my last Thanksgiving 
dinner, and then I had to gulp the food down the best I could. 
That Thanksgiving day, you remember, I spent so pleasantly at 
Aunt H.'s house. What changes have transpired since then! 
Then we were in the midst of peace, and our flag was honored 
throughout the whole 'world. Now there are wars and rumors 
of war. Our national emblem has been disgraced, not by a 
foreign foe, but by those who ought to cherish and defend it. 
Many a life and many a river of blood will be required before 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 473 

that stain shall be washed out; and there are many thousand 
brave hearts willing to cease to beat, if, by this means, our 
original honor and glory shall be restored. Many may talk 
about this war soon ending, but, in my opinion, there will have 
to be more than one hard fought battle before the end comes. 
Thank God, we are now gaining many victories and are striking 
the secessionists some pretty hard knocks. 

You have, doubtless, heard of our last grand review at Mun- 
son's Hill. It was a splendid atiair. The President and General 
McClellan were present and revicAved us. There were between 
seventy-live and eighty thousand troops. Our, First New Jersey, 
regiment has received the name of doing the best marching and 
presenting the finest appearance of any regiment in both reviews. 
While we were passing the point where General McClellan, 
the President and staff were standing, our line was perfect. 
General McClellan turned to the President and made the 
remark, "That is it, that is first rate." I tell you we do look 
finely when we get all our accoutrements on. 

Fairfax Seminary, December 11, 1861. 

Yesterday the Inspector General gave us a visit. Everything 
we possessed underwent a strict examination, but no fault could 
be found with us. I only wish that you could see our regiment 
and camp grounds. Strangers who have visited almost all the 
camps around, say that ours is the cleanest they have seen, and 
that our men look the neatest. The Inspector and Colonel were 
so pleased with us that they gave us to-day as a holiday. 

Things in this neighborhood remain quiet. There is not much 
excitement, except when we go out on picket duty. Our com- 
pany just came in on Saturday. We were outside, and only 
about one mile from the rebels, who have lately made some 
daring and successful attacks on our pickets. Our pickets were 
doubled, and the utmost watchfulness and caution enjoined. We 
wanted to have a little brush with them, but were disappointed. 
When we returned, it was only to prepare for a review by Gov. 
INIoRGAN. He looked natural, and as noble as ever. What a 
good thing that New York has such a man at the head of ailairs 



474 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

during this time of discord and rebellion. The old Empire 
State has done noldy in the cause of freedom and constitutional 
rights; and if there should be need of more aid, I am sure New 
York would be equal for the emergency. 

Last Friday afternoon our whole division w^as drawn up to 
witness a military execution. This is the first time I ever saw 
anything of the kind, and it was a very impressive scene. The 
prisoner was a cavalryman, who had attempted to desert to the 
rebels with very correct and valual)le information concerning our 
pickets. He fortunately did not succeed in his designs, but w\as 
arrested by our troops. After a ftiir trial, he was condemned to 
a speedy and terrible death, at the hands of his own comrades. 
The procession passed along the lines in the following order: 
1st, Provost Marshal; 2d, music of the cavalry; 3d, the firing 
party (consisting of twelve men and a Sergeant); 4th, cofiin in a 
wagon; 5th, prisoner and Chaplain; 6th, escort of cavalry. As 
the solemn train moved slowly, each regimental band jDlayed, in 
succession, the dead march. The prisoner was deathly pale, and 
I think he fully felt his situation. At last, the spot was reached, 
the coffin was placed upon the ground, the prisoner, blindfolded, 
sat upon his owai coffin. The executioners stood twelve paces 
from him. The silence of death reigned amongst the thousands 
drawn up to see the scene. A volley of carbines broke the still- 
ness, and all was over. Thus die all traitors. 

Camp of the U. S. Signal Coeps, ) 
January 1, 1862. ) 

You have, very likely, heard before this, that I have been 
detached from my regiment and company and am now a member 
of the United States Signal Corps. We came into camp on 
Monday afternoon, and have been very busy ever since getting 
our camp fixed up in style. Soon everything will be settled, and 
I think I shall like my new business very much indeed. We 
have a beautiful situation for a camp on the summit of George- 
town Heights. A splendid view is stretched out on every hand. 

Our duty consists in warning friends of the approach of friends 
in the time of an advance movement or in time of battle. Then 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 475 

we hold conversations with each other, at the distance of miles, 
by means of ilags during the day, and torches at night. On every 
expedition, both by land and sea, a number of our signal boys go. 

Cajip of the U. S. Signal Corps, 
January 21, 18G2. 

The winter campaign has commenced — "merrily goes the ball." 

The secession forces in Kentucky have been defeated, and we 

rejoice in a splendid victory. Uncertainty and anxiety pervade 

our whole camp. Here we are away from our regiments and 

companies. The army is under marching orders, and we know 

not when or wdiere our respective regiments will move, and if a 

tight comes otf, we cannot be Avith our comrades in the deadly 

strife of arms. We have no chance of striking a blow at a rebel 

for our cause. We are, of course, doing a very great service to 

the United States, but then one does so hate to be away from 

comrades in the hour of danger. 

Camp of the U. S. Signal Corps, 
February 2, 1862. 

We get along finely in our new camp. The signals are being 
learned rapidly, and soon we expect to be of some service in the 
w^ar. Every day parties of us are sent into Virginia to practice 
with flags, by means of which a conversation can be kept up at 
the distance of miles. We are beginning to learn how to take 
care of horses, which is a good thing at least. How I wish that 
you could look in upon me some day just about dinner time. 
You would, no doubt, laugh heartily. Sleeves rolled up, face 
flushed, a large knife in one hand and a frying pan in the other, 
from which the odors ascending inform the spectator that a beef- 
steak is going through the culinary process. You can't imagine 
what a nice cook I am. I can give steaks the most finished 
touches, potatoes and onions a fine brown turn; fishes, omelets, 
&c., &c., undergo scientific processes. In every thing that I turn 
my hand to, I alw^ays think of my dear sister, far away. Yes, in 
times of danger and in times of rest and quiet, during the long 
and tiresome march, during the death-like silence of my lonely 



476 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

picket tour, amid the roar of cannon, amid the scenes of distress 
and anguish, amid the dead, dying and wounded, my thoughts 
have ever turned to you, my dearest earthly friend. Though far 
away from you, enduring hardships and privations for my country's 
honor, surrounded by rough and rude men, yet, still, I have my 
thinking moments, and many a kind thought for home and home 
scenes. Ah! how can one forget the kind, good wishes, the 
heartfelt and sincere prayers of an only sister? Though years 
intervene, separated by oceans, yet thought knows no hindrance 
but death. It traverses distance, is undimmed by age. 

Camp of the U. S. Signal Corps, 
February 8, 1862. 

Glorious good news has just arrived; another important Union 

victory in the south. Fort Henry taken. This will lead to 

important results. The roads are yet impassable in this direction, 

consequently artillery is at a stand still. When the roads are 

better an advance is expected. 

Cajvip of the U.. S. Signal Corps, 
Feht-uary 25, 1862. 

Nine of our Lieutenants and twenty-two privates left early 
this morning. They took their baggage with them, and are 
going to join Hooker's Division on the upper Potomac, near the 
rebel batteries. When any of the corps leave camp in that kind 
of style, you may soon expect a light. It is a common report 
that the batteries, extending for a distance of five miles, are to 
be attacked. Another large detachment is to leave in the course 
of a week, as I think something is going to happen. 

How did Washington's birth day pass off in Albany? I spent 
mine by standing guard, in all the rain, for it was a very un- 
pleasant day. You know we are situated on the very summit 
of Georgetown Heights, and thus occupy a position which can 
be seen for miles from both sides of the river. Well, Major 
Meyer thought we ought to have some kind of display; so, as 
soon as it became dark, the hill was illuminated with scores of 
lights, sky-rockets, &c., &c. The night was very misty, and, con- 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 477 

sequently, I fear the big show could not be seen a great distance. 
There were, besides the fire works, the usual attendants of sing- 
ing, s}Deechifying and eating. 

Cajnip of the U, S. Signal Corps, 
March 6, 1862. 

We are constantly employed now, having one hundred and 
thirty horses to take care of eveiy day. Then there are camp 
and guard duties to perform, and we have to drill both in the 
saddle and out of it. How you would have laughed at my 
maiden efforts at horsemanship; but I am getting bravely over 
my timidity, and can manage a horse finely. This is quite a feat 
when you understand the properties and virtues of a Government 
horse. You have to watch every motion, or you may get a sly 
kick or a tremendous bite, and when in the saddle, look out for 
breakers ahead, or you may find yourself on the ground rather 
sooner than you expected. 

Yesterday our whole corps was turned out to attend the fune- 
ral of one of our poor fellows, wdio was killed by one of the 
horses. Poor boy; he was a German, and had not a friend in 
this country. He was killed in the performance of his duty, 
and had a soldier's funeral. The excitement in our camp is, and 
has been, great; great is not strong enough, it is intense. We 
have every thing packed and ready to start, at half an hour's 
notice. Some great move is to be made on the Potomac, and 
the services of the Signal Corps will be required. Some of our 
boys went ofl' about a week ago, and many more leave to-mor- 
row. McClellan gives the orders and we obey. I wish you 
could see our outfit. First and foremost, each Lieutenant has 
two men to accompany him, one of whom carries a copper can- 
teen, which holds one gallon of turpentine. He also carries 
a canvass haversack, which contains the necessary trimming 
instruments. The other one carries a long sort of bag, in which 
are the flags, pole, torch and lance. We are armed with Colt's 
best navy revolvers, and have a large Bowie knife, which is so 
made that we can slip it on the end of our pole, and thus use it 
as a lance. The Lieutenants carry the best kind of marine 



478 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

glasses. Imagine us rushing through the country thus accoutred. 
We seem to attract universal attention wherever Ave go. 

Fairfax Court House, Va., March IQth, 1862. 
After an eventful week, I find time to send you a few lines, so 
as to let you know that I am in perfect health, and never felt 
better before in my life. It is now about three o'clock in the 
morning, and I take the chance of sending you this, as I don't 
know when I can write again. We leave at six o'clock to go 
we know" not wdicre. Without l^loodshed we have the rebel 
stronghold, and "Manassas is ours." Our signal boys have been 
busy night and day. and I am very tired and sleepy. Been up 
almost all night. I have a splendid little horse, wdiich I call 
Charlie. He has already" done much in the way of traveling, 
and can begin to count our journey by hundreds of miles. If 
Charlie feels as willing to do his duty to his country as I do, all 
will be well. 



Steamer "Knickerbocker," Chesapeake Bay, ? 

31arch 24, 1862. \ 

We are far out in the Sound, w^ith vessels on every side of us. 
One looking upon the scene would think that these vessels were 
laden with happy pleasure seekers. But appearances are oft- 
times deceitful. Instead of being crowded w4th a happy, 
thoughtless throng, there are stern and stout men, loyal hearts, 
anxious to offer their all a sacrifice upon their country's altar. 
We see determination written on every face. We hear senti- 
ments drop from their lips, rather detrimental to the interests 
of rebeldom. I am connected with Gen. Porter's Division; so 
whenever you hear of him, and the troops under him, you may 
know" that I am somewhere around. Our present destination is 
Fortress Monroe; I knoAv not Avhere Ave go from there. 

Afternoon. — Land, ho! The renowned Fortress is in sight, 
and active preparations are going on previous to disembarkation. 
We are busily engaged in signaling, so I must stop uoaa". 

Fortress Monroe. — Here I am at last. I have ahvays had 
high expectations concerning this stronghold, and thev have all 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 479 

been realized fully. It is a beautiful place. I have been not 
only all through the fort, but also through the town of Old 
Point. We are truly getting South, for the trees are budding, 
and many are in blossom. There are lots of flowers, and I have 
heard more than one feathered songster singing beautifully. I 
have had a good look at the Monitor (termed by the rebels "the 
cheese box"). A queer looking craft she is. I have also seen 
the top works of the "Cumberland" and "Congress," and the 
rebels and their fortifications on Sewell's Point. Vie arc ordered 
to saddle up and go, so farewell for the present. 

Hampton, Va. — Seated in the midst of the ruins of this once 
beautiful little town, I am going to inscribe a few lines to you, 
my darling sister. Every moment we expect to go. Our horses 
are all saddled, and everything is in readiness. Report says that 
our destination is Great Bethel, which the rebels are evacuating: 
as speedily as possible. My little horse is as lively as ever, not- 
withstanding rough knocks. He and I took a stroll through the 
village this morning, and he took it into his head to run away 
with me. Well, I gave him the rein, and away we tore along at 
a mad pace through the fields. Fences don't trouble him much; 
over he goes. Field after field was passed, where remains of 
rebel camps were to be seen, but just like themselves, among 
the things that were. Charlie, my horse, got tired after awhile, 
and we took a slower pace back to the village. 

Little Bethel, Va., Apr-il 3, 1862. 
Our present camp, or rather bivouack, is in the midst of a 
thrifty peach orchard, many of whose trees are in full blow. 
The ruins of burnt houses still surround us, and I suppose will 
continue to be with us as we go further into the secesh territory. 
What an enemy we contend against — an enemy who will fire his 
own homestead, kill his own cattle and destroy his crops, so that 
the contending faction may derive no benefit from them. Almost 
the whole Army of the Potomac has been transported hither, and 
we expect to advance soon. Gen. McClellan arrived at Fortress 
Monroe to-daj*, and we expect some excitement soon. We had 
a grand reconnoissance the other day, in which we advanced some 



480 LIEUT, WILLIAIVI H. POIILMAN. 

four miles beyond Big Bethel. The rebels absquatulated rather 
suddenly when they saw our boys coming along at a charge. 
They did not make a stand once, but scouted away before our 
skirmishers at a tremendous pace. We always travel with the 
staff of some General or other, thus we have a lirst rate chance 
to see all that's Avorth seeing. 

Near Yorktown, April 11, 1862. 
I am now sitting in a field in front of Yorktown, and as 
my sister is doubtless feeling somewhat anxious about me, I 
will improve the present time in writing her. This has been 
a day of rest for us and for our horses, and I am sure we need it 
badly enough. Day after day, and night after night, we have 
been busy, signaling orders and news. I have pretty thoroughly 
traversed this neighborhood. Our stations are continually changed 
about, so that we are one day here, another, there. For three 
or four days we were on the beach, signaling with the fleet of 
gunboats, and I tell you we had a fine opportunity for seeing the 
strength of the rebel works. They are tremendous, and every 
day thousands of their men are at work upon them. Troo^JS are 
constantly coming in from Eichmond and Gordonsville, so that 
by this time they must have one hundred thousand men within 
their fortifications. Why, during one morning, by the aid of a 
good ghiss, Ave saw sixteen of their transports come into York- 
town loaded down with troops. Then, again, they have an 
enormous quantity of guns of heavy calibre. Considering all 
things, this place is their Sebastopol. I think they have placed 
their last hopes on this stronghold. If we conquer, secesh is at 
a discount. You must not think that Ave are lying idle all this 
time Avhile the rebels are strengthening their position. Not so. 
Our boys are Avorking like bees on our entrenchments — forty-tAvo 
thousand men are digging to-day. Our hca\y artillery is con- 
stantly coming up from Fortress Monroe, and our balloon is 
making daily reconnoissances of the opposite positions. By the 
way, you ought to see the rebel balloon. It is Avorth a quarter 
to see it. Such a queer shape — looks exactly like tAvo 8i})ley 
tents with their bottoms sewed together. Well, one of the 



LIEUT. WUAAAM H. POHLMAN. 481 

secesh gentlemen undertook to ascend in this nondescript; Init 
as fate would have it, a few of our sharpshooters happened to be 
on picket, very close to the aspirer, and he had only arisen a few 
rods, when such a volley of bullets whistled around him that he 
was glad enough to cry to be let down. I don't thinlc he saw 
much. 

Tidings of glorious good news have reached us, and it makes 
us feel anxious to do something, not only for our country, but 
so as to avenge the deaths of the l)rave and valiant western men, 
who fell at Island No. 10 and in Tennessee. 

Near Yorktown, 3Iai/ 2, 1862. 

I am now very near the enemy. Three of the rebel batteries 
are within eleven hundred yards of us, aijd they are very careless 
as to how they sling their shells around us. Continually are the 
shells and shots flying around us. I have become quite used to 
the explosions, and can always manage to get down flat before 
they reach the Ticinity, though I must say that it was rather 
difficult at first to get down in time. Our station is just under 
cover of a piece of woods, which alone conceals us from the view 
of the rebels. Redoubt A is on our right, and Battery Sixth on 
our left. Our line of fortifications is as powerful as extensive, 
and I think will soon be ready for operation. 

3Ia^ Uh. — Yorktown evacuated; rebels in full retreat; our boys 
close on their heels; skirmishing between our advance and their 
rear guard. All is excitement among the troops; thousands upon 
thousands pressing on to Richmond. We, as well as others, have 
our duties to perform, so farewell for the present. 

May bth. — We are ordered otf to Gloucester Point, which is 
opposite Yorktown, in order that we may open communication 
with the gunboats. 

New Kent Court House, Va., May 15, 1862. 
Within one week the rebels have evacuated Yorktown, Glou- 
cester, Norfolk, Williamsburg, West Point and New Kent Court 
House. Such reverses can do nothing less than demoralize tlie 
secesh army. When last I wrote you, I was on my way to Wil- 

31 



482 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

liamsbiirg, where we gained a glorious victory. The dead rebels 
covered the si'ound like dead leaves. The battle field was an 
awfid sio-ht; but the least said of this will be the better for the 
sensitive heart of my sister. I cannot write more, as I am very 
sleepy and tired, having been up all last night. 

Eight Miles from Richmokd, May 30, 1862. 

On this beantiful Sabliath morning (so diflerent from the quiet 
Sabbaths of by-gone days, when we used to proceed through the 
streets of All)any to the music of the tolling l^ells), I take up my 
pen to answer your last dear, good, long letter, which arrived 
last night. You can't imagine how much joy your epistle gave 
me. All day long we had been riding through drenching rain, 
with the further inconvenience of wading through mud, which 
possessed the virtue of having a very solid consistency. Wet 
through to the skin, tired and muddy, I had just kindled a roar- 
ing fire in the midst of a Virginia wood, and was trying to dry 
on one side as fast as the other side got wet. Just at this moment 
two letters were handed me, one from your own dear self. I 
forgot all my trouble, and commenced reading immediately. My 
little horse (who was enjoying the fire equally with myself,) 
seemed to share my pleasure, for he would occasionally look over 
my shoulder and rub his nose against my cheek. This morning, 
which I suppose is so quiet in the northern homes, is full of life 
and motion. Contrary to the customary rule of observing the 
Sabbath as much as possible, a military necessity has compelled 
the troops in this vicinity to move forAvard three miles, so as to 
hold the position which our boys fought for yesterday. The 
roads are lined for miles with troops, artillery, baggage wagons, 
ambulances and dead carts. 

We expect the order to move every moment. We hope soon 
to be in Richmond, but at what a cost, we know not. The latest 
reports state that the citizens are leaving Richmond; this looks 
as if they meant to make a stand of it. Hope so, at any rate. 
We had quite a Ijrisk skirmish two miles from here, yesterday, 
in which we scattered the rebels, killing and wounding about 
one hundred and fifty. Our side lost only about ten killed and 



LIEUT. WILLI.\]M H. POIILMAN. 483 

wounded. This morning the rear guard of the enemy were 
l)u.sily eniploj^ed in tearing up the railroad track. They have 
also placed obstructions in the James River, so as to hinder the 
passage of our gunboats. Notwithstanding all their reverses, the 
few remaining inhal^itants are thoi-oughly imj^regnated with the 
cursed Southern sentiment. Few, very few remain behind to 
run the risk of exposing their opinions. Rich and poor, equal 
in this time of their adversity, alike tramp off towards Rich- 
mond (a rather critical refuge.) Almost everything is left 
behind. Rich furniture, splendid crockery and cut glass ware, 
most beautiful silk dresses and velvet traps. Well, we formed 
our station on top of the house, and were Avorking away finely, 
when all of a sudden, whiz, whiz, whiz came a volley of rifle 
bullets from the woods. Fortunately none of us were touched, 
though the bullets came uncomfortably close. Ten of us resolved 
to drive the enemy from the woods; so we mounted, and making 
a good wide flank movement, we came upon their backs. The 
rebels skedaddled without firing a shot, leaving us sole possessors 
of the bloodless field. We were unmolested afterwards. 

Savage Station, June 5, 1862. 
Oh, if I could but forget the dreadful scenes of the past few 
days. Another awful battle has taken place and we are again 
victorious; but oh, what a sacrifice ! The people at home read 
of the fight and our success, and they all rejoice. Processions, 
parades, fireworks and thanksgiving, are the order of the day; 
then those who have lost no dear ones, forget everything except 
the victory. It is not so here. True, we rejoice at our success; 
but the groans of the wounded, the last words and looks of the 
dying, the awful scenes of the field of carnage can never be 
obliterated. Poor fellows ! even in their dying moments, they 
are faithful to their country. I have seen the eyes of more than 
one djang boy ]>righten, as I recounted to him the brave deeds 
of his regiment. The troops are full of fire and eagerly await 
the next great fight, which I only wish would end the war in 
Virginia. I can't see why the rebels hold out so long. They 
must see their cause is lost, yet many of the prisoners we have 



484 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

taken are actuated by the keenest hatred. The women are ten 
times worse than the men. I have argued with many a pretty 
Southern girl, and then on parting have had the exquisite plea- 
sure of hearing her say, that she hoped the confederates would 
kill me and the rest of the cowardly Yankees. 

U. S. Steam Gun Boat Mahaska, July 5, 1862. 
What exciting times we have had since last I wrote you, you 
can hardly imagine. Truly it has been one continual struggle 
for the dear old flag and the preservation of our Union. Did 
you receive my last few lines telling you that a fight was going 
on? One week ago yesterda}^ our army commenced its memor- 
able retreat from in front of Eichmond. We have whipped the 
rebels seven or eight times since we began to retreat. This 
shows of what material our army is composed. How I wished 
that you could have seen with what gusto our boys sailed into 
the rebel vanguard. We scattered them time and again with 
immense loss. But, although, we have gained so many cheering 
victories, yet it has been at a sacrifice on our side. Regiments, 
brigades and divisions are badly cut up. 

U. S. Steam Gun Boat Mahaska, July 10, 1862. 
Our northern boys have now immortal names and imperish- 
able glory. All praise to the now silenced noble hearts. Grief 
and sorrow for those poor maimed felloAvs, who once wounded 
in their country's cause, were fated to fall into the hands of the 
ruthless southern soldiery. God ever keep me from again be- 
holding the agonized features of our poor bleeding comrades, as 
we were compelled to leave them to their fate. One thing is 
certain, our troops will never forgive the southerners for firing 
into our sick, whilst they were hobbling and crawling away. 

In Camp, Neae Alexandeia, September 4, 1862. 

I have nothing to tell you about except defeat, scenes of 

blood and almost miraculous preservation from death on my 

part. Three times have I witnessed our whole army overcome, 

viz : at Bull Run, on the Peninsula and in the valley of the Shen- 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 485 

aiidoah. Many a time have I been in extreme danger, when it 
might almost be said that I fairly lived in an atmosphere of shot 
and shell, yet am I uninjured, and unto God would I give all 
the praise for His watchful care and protection over me. When 
last I wrote I had expected to go to Aquia Creek, but instead of 
doing so we were shipped to Alexandria and had no sooner set 
foot on shore, than we were inniiediately sent out to Manassas 
where the tio-ht was rapine;. For over a week we have been 
where the booming of cannon and the whistling of shells have 
been our music, now we make our final stand for the defence of 
our Capital and the homes of the beloved north. Here on the 
verge of the loyal States, two hundred thousand lives stand 
ready to die for our Union. Three hundred thousand of the foe 
press onwards — God help the ship, the staunch old ship Union. 

Near Antietam Creek, September 18, 1862. 

I am going to tell you good exciting news. Yet, while we 
rejoice at an auspicious event, let us think of noble lives lost, of 
honorable wounds received for our country's sake. Twice have 
we whipped the foe within four days. Yesterday occurred one 
of the greatest battles fought during the war, and that is saying 
a great deal. At daylight the slaughter commenced, and con- 
tinued with uninterrupted violence through the day, ending after 
the shades of night began to fall. Regiment after regiment, 
brigade after brigade, division after division, corps after corps 
went up the hill to the fight. Now advancing, now retreating, 
backwards and forwards all day long. But when the sun hid 
itself from view, we saw our worn out and powder blackened 
soldiers upon the crest of the eminence, which had been in pos- 
session of the rebel forces at the beginning of the conflict. We 
are all rejoiced at the success. The enemy's dead strewed the 
plain in vast numbers, far exceeding our loss. But we have suf- 
fered largely in valuable officers, both wounded and slain. 

September '2\st. — I have spent these three days on top of a high 
mountain, from which we can overlook the movements of both 
armies. It is a most beautiful and romantic position and one in 
which I have always loved to be placed. The pleasing silence is in 



486 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAX. 

such great contrast to the noise and bustle of our army and army 
movements. You know, dear sister, how I used to love the 
country; well, I love it still, with all its quiet and beautiful 
scenery. How I wish that you were by my side on this glorious 
Sabbath mornino- so that we could too;etlier look down on the 
hostile armies. Many a poor fellow is lying in the village below, 
this day, thinking of the loved ones at home; and 'tis pitiful to 
see the shadows of death slowly stealing over so many youthful 
faces, when we consider that there may be wives, mothers and 
sisters, far away in the loyal North, who on this holy day are 
praying for the welfare of the absent soldier. It has been said 
that the heart grows hard and becomes steeled to the continued 
sight of bloodshed. However true this may be in some cases, it 
foils in mine, for I cannot get accustomed to such scenes as I 
have so frequently witnessed. 

Hooker's Head Quarters, January 10, 1863. 
This is the 10th of January, 1863, and I am just twenty-one 
years old. Strange how time creeps on. Although so many 
years have elapsed, yet does my whole life appear as a dream 
which can easily be recalled. Events of my earliest childhood 
seem as though they had happened but yesterday. However 
hard it may be to credit, yet it is the truth that scenes and 
actions of days spent in the far off regions of Heathendom are 
still fresh in my memory. I can almost imagine that I am again 
with father and yourself in the little boat, which propelled by 
the strong arms of a Chinese boatman, slowly used to transport 
us across the harbor to the Island of Kodong-zoo, where I col- 
lected shells and sea-Aveed to add to my stock of playthings. I 
believe that I owe all my military hankerings to those same shells, 
for you know how I used to spend hours upon hours in forming 
my line of battle with buttons and shells. I little thought then 
that a practical demonstration awaited me. Then again I remem- 
ber how I, in company with mother and our little brother, used 
to promenade backwards and forwards on the piazza, which over- 
looked the water. How that brother and I quarreled over our 
childish games ! Then that sad event Hashes \\\) distinctly, when 



LIEUT. AVILLIAM H. POIILIVIAN. 487 

that lirotlier died, and was laid out in his coffin awaiting burial. 
My last distinct recollection of the land of Cathay is the saddest, 
viz: my last look into mother's coffin. x\h, what a loss that was. 
Many a tear have I shed in secret for the loss of that dear, sainted 
mother. Ever since I have arrived at man's estate, I cherish 
these memories of bj^-gone days, and I think they soften the hard- 
ness of a soldier's nature. 

Near Falmouth, Va., Alay 5, 1863. 

Some very queer and strange scenes have we passed through 
within the past seventy-two hours. For three nights I have slept 
only about two hours, and during the day time we have been 
under constant fire and excitement. Our brigade is completely 
worn out. Thus fjir I have been miraculously preserved. On 
all sides of me have our brave boys ftillen; but not a shot has 
been designed for me. We charged the enemy's works in rear 
at Fredericksburg, at half-past seven a. m. on Sunday morning, 
but were repulsed. At twelve m. made another terrible charge 
on their riffht flank, and carried all the lines of their works. 
Such a glorious old charge you could scarcely imagine. To be 
sure many a poor fellow fell, but we gained the day. What suc- 
cess we have met with on the right, I cannot tell, but am quite 
confident that the fight is not finished. We expect to pitch over 
into Fredericksburg again in a day or two — may we be successful. 
We don't mind wounds or even death itself, if w^e can only con- 
quer the enemy. They seem to be badly oif for provisions. An 
old woman offered me a ten dollar U. S. note for a pound of 
coffee. I did not happen to have it for her. 

I suppose you would like to know why we came back from 
Fredericksburg. I will tell you. After we had captured the 
fortifications, one single brigade was left to hold the city — the rest 
of the troops pushing on to form a junction with Hooker on the 
extreme right. No troops were left in the rebel breastworks, 
and only our weak, decimated brigade, numbering about two 
thousand men, to hold the city. Well, everything passed off 
quietly during the night. Early in the morning, with the peep 
of day, a large force of the enemy came rushing into their own 



488 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLIMAN. 

works, drove our pickets in, and thouglit tlic}^ were going to 
come right into the town, but not so. Our two thousand rifles 
were too many for them, and such a hot fire as we poured into 
them, would have made your eyes stand out. The approach to 
the town from their works is b^^ a few narrow causeways over a 
canal, and placing our boys in advantageous positions, we kept 
them at bay for twenty-four hours, but it was of no use. During 
the night the enemy were reinforced, and we were forced to 
retreat across the Rappahannock. I was very sorry that it was 
so, but what could two thousand men do against eight or ten 
thousand. Our retreat was orderly, no haste. We did not lose 
a thing, or leave a wounded man behind. 

May 6, 1863. — It storms terribly; a great fight is going on 
on our right; Hooker is at Lee again; pray that we may be vic- 
torious; the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry drown the 
tumult of the storm. Don't feel anxious about me; I will write 
as soon after the battle as I can. 

Near Falmouth, Va., Mmj 15, 1863. 

We are having terribly hot weather for marching, but this I 
do not mind, for I am so anxious to accomplish something before 
the rebels have entirely recovered from their last great victory 
over the Potomac army. Two or three more such victories will 
be apt to use Gen. Lee's army up. We did just mow the enemy 
down. We undoubtedly sufiered severely, but they must have 
lost immensely. If Hooker only keeps at work, and don't let 
the rebels rest, w^e may yet expect great things. We can die 
but once, and if we die in battle for the Union, why, we fall in a 
glorious cause. I don't think our boys are much demoralized, 
from what I can see. In ten days the army will be in as good 
condition to fight as ever, so far as number and feeling is con- 
cerned. This last fight makes the thirteenth battle I have been 
engaged in since the opening of the war. Quite a veteran, am 
I not? 

Falmouth, Va., May 24, 1863. 

Glorious good news has reached us within the past few days, 
in reference to Grant's operations in the south and west. We 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 489 

hope and pray that the news is true; but there are so many false 
reports afloat now-a-days, that we hardly know what to think. 
Here everything remains in statu quo — not a sign of a move. I 
wish that we could strike a decisive blow soon. 

Falmouth, Va., June 6, 1863. 
"We expect to have another fight pretty soon. Our forces are 
again across the river. We are expecting to be in Fredericks- 
burg before forty-eight hours more. Our orders were to start at 
two o'clock this morning, but the order was countermanded. 
Before I write again, I hope to be able to tell of more glorious 
deeds accomplished by Union arms and valor. You must not be 
alarmed if you do not hear from me very soon, for in the stir of 
battle it is difficult to collect one's ideas and time. 

Thoroughfare Gap, Va., June 21, 1863. 
Here we are, safe and sound, but that is all I am able to tell 
you; for to what place we are bound, or what we are to accom- 
plish, is more than I can tell, but we hope for the best. I think 
we are here to cut off the retreat of the rebels when they come 
from Pennsylvania and Maryland. We have undergone some 
very severe marches and hard times for our country's cause. 

Union Town, June 30, 1863. 
Almost worn out from our constant marching, we are at last 
in a friendly neighborhood, and breathe a good Union atmos- 
phere. You cannot imagine how good we felt to see the people 
greet us kindly, and freely ofl'er us almost everything they had. 
The rebels are at Westminster, only seven miles off, and only 
three miles from the Pennsylvania border. We hope to draw 
them out in a day or two. The country all through here is 
beautiful. It seems a pity that it should ever be traveled over 
by an invading army. I hope wx will be able to bag the rebels. 
As I have said before, do not be alarmed about me. Eemember 
that I am in God's hands, and that the same being who has 
brought me safely through thus far, can, if He so sees best, pre- 
serve me unto the end. 



490 LIEUT. WILLIA3I H. POHLMAN. 

But the last closing tragedy draws near. Our hero, after 
passing through the toil, hardships and perils of thirteen hard 
fought battles, appears before us in the bloody field of Gettys- 
burg. Our forces, weary, hungry and exhausted by their long 
marches under the burning sun, wheeled into ranks to receive 
the shocks of the rebel artillery. Those memorable three days 
of July, when heroism and brave endurance won such triumphs, 
will never be forgotten by a grateful people. On the 2d of 
July, the valiant Colonel of the regiment was severely wounded, 
and Lieut. Pohlman was the only field oiEcer left during the 
remainder of the battle. How keenly he felt his responsibility, 
and how well he discharged his duties, his men relate with pas- 
sionate pride. How could they falter, when, wherever the peril 
was greatest, 

" There was no braver sight 
Than his young form, steadfast 'mid shot and shell." 

But late in the afternoon of Friday, July 3d, a Minnie ball struck 
his arm, and frightfully shattered it. He was at once urged to 
withdraw from the front, but he answered, "No, never while I 
have a sound arm left to fight with." An hour later his sword 
arm failed him, and another ball, glancing from his swordhilt, 
w^hich it shattered, pierced his right wrist, and severed an artery, 
thus disabling him from service. At this crisis his noble nature 
shone forth with new lustre. To the soldiers, who would have 
borne him from the field, now almost won, he said, "Boys, stay 
in 3^our places. Your country needs every man of you." Thus 
he left them, but not until he had groped about in his blindness, 
to recover, if possible, the sword given to him by his adopted 
mother. Its empty scal)bard, battered and blood-stained, with 
the gloi-ious motto engraved upon it, unmarred: " For God and 
your country," is now the most cherished relic to her who filled 
a mother's place to the orphan boy. He reached the camp, 
having fainted on the way from loss of blood, and was laid by 
the side of his beloved Colonel. So careful w^as he of the feel- 
ings of his friends in this city, that he withheld his name from 
the newspaper reporters, lest the tidings of his wounds might 
shock those who were dear to his heart. 



LIEUT, WILLIiVM II. POHLMAN. 491 

In a characteristic note dictated the following day, after first 
speaking of their glorious victory, he added, "The usual good 
fortune which has attended me in thirteen battles of the war, 
has forsaken me in the fourteenth eiis-aijement. I bear honor- 
able wounds in my country's cause." Our hero was tenderly 
cared for, and under the influence of a home presence, and while 
hoping soon to welcome a beloved only sister, he seemed to 
rally; but on the night of the 20th he sank rapidly, and at 11 
o'clock in the forenoon, July 21st, his noble spirit went to its 
reward. His nearest relative says of her patriotic and christian 
brother: " We could not wish him a prouder record, nor ask for 
him a worthier death." 

' Great God of night ! 
Accept our sacrifice ; 
Bid thou our country rise, 
The joy of longing eyes, 
The home of Right.' " 

The following is an extract of a letter written by a dear cousin 
of the deceased, and published in The Princetown Standard: 

AYe found Mary (the sister) in the greatest distress. She felt 
her loss the more because she was not able to o-et to her dear 
brother. The news Avhich first arrived was that Willie's 
wounds were slight, and that he wanted somebody to come on, 
so that he could be removed to his home, in Albau}^ His adopt- 
ed l)rother went on immediately, and then he begged for his sis- 
ter. Three telegraph messages in succession were sent to her, 
none of which she received. Letters were written on three suc- 
cessive days, each giving particular directions to his sister for 
her journey, urging her to come on, which all failed to reach her, 
until after the intelligence arrived that the dear boy's spirit had 
flown. 

I hardly know where to begin to tell you about Willie, but 
will commence at the time of his first wound. 

The Captain of his company (his intimate friend) being mor- 
tally wounded, the command devolved upon him. He bravely, 
at the head of his men, cheered them on, fio-htino; with all his 
might. At length a shell hit him, shattering his left shoulder 



492 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

and arm, which hung powerless by his side. His men urged him 
to leave the field, but he said, " Not while I have my sword arm 
left.'* For an hour, he bravely rushed on to victory, when a 
Minnie ball penetrated his right wrist, and passed up his arm, 
shattering his sword in pieces. One of his men woiuid his hand- 
kerchief round the arm, and pushed his ramrod in the wound, 
to keep it from bleeding. They now proceeded to carry him off 
the scene of action, but the brave, noble boy said "No, every 
man is wanted; go back to your post," and notwithstanding all 
their entreaties, he insisted upon walking. He walked three 
miles, fainting once by the way. He happily fell among very 
kind friends, who did everything in their power for his comfort. 
The reporters came repeatedly, and begged him to have his name 
put among the wounded. No, he would not, for his wounds 
Avere, he thought, slight, and it would needlessly alarm his 
friends at home, and he expected so soon to be taken to them. 

When the Surgeon extracted the bones from his shoulder, not 
a groan or sigh escaped his lips. The Surgeon asked, "Doesn't 
that hurt you. Adjutant? " The reply was, "Of course, a little." 
I know he must have used all his fortitude so that his dear sister 
might not hear how he suffered. On Monday, the day before 
he died, he longed so for his sister. He did not expect to die, 
neither had those about him the least idea that he was so near 
his end. He had a long talk with his adopted brother, until the 
fever flushed his face, when he was requested to desist. He then 
dropped asleep, when his wound commenced sloughing^ as it is 
termed. It means that a second bleeding takes place, an outward 
and inward hemorrhage, and the dear boy slept away his life. 
He was called by name several times, but he took no notice. The 
steward stooped doAvn and shouted in his ear, "Adjutant." He 
opened his eyes for a moment and then closed them again. A 
short time before he died he raised his head, gave the order 
"Cease firing," dropped it again, and in few moments expired. 
He was not the only one who died on that day. There were 
over one hundred and fifty who were wounded in the same battle, 
and whose wounds were all, as they thought, getting along well, 
but just between two and three o'clock the barometer fell, and 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 493 

immediately the wounds of the more than one hundred and fifty 
commenced sloughing, and every one died. It is said that such 
a thing has never been known before. 

The body was embalmed and sent to Albany, and reached Mrs. 
McClure's on Saturday evening. It was a comfort to have the 
precious remains at home, but oh, how unlike Willie! The 
funeral services were very interesting. Dr. Speague opened 
with a prayer. Mr. Nevius followed with a touching address, 
and Dr. Claek, of whose church W. was a member, closed with 
prayer and the benediction. 

Mr. Nevius referred to his deep attachment to the father 
(with whom he was formerly associated in the missionary work 
in China) and of that love having been transferred to the son. 
It was truly a comforting address. A flag was thrown over the 
foot of the coffin with a broken scabbard upon it. At the head, 
a l)cautiful wreath of .flowers was placed. 

His cousin, Joseph Scudder, did not receive the news in time 
to attend the funeral. He came in the evening. He said if he 
had known Willie was dangerously wounded, he would have 
gone on immediately. He referred to a satisfactory conversation 
he had with W. after his visit home, in February, on his way to 
join his regiment. He went from home to Governor's Island. 
Chaplain Joseph Scudder is now stationed at Governor's Island, 
and was formerly Chaplain of the Fifty-ninth New York State 
Militia, with which Lieutenant Pohlman was connected at the 
time of his death. Mr. Scudder remarked that as they parted, 
he said, " Willie, live for Jesus," He answered, "Yes, I will." 
Mr. S. says that he has not the least doubt that the precious one 
is now happy, and he is as perfectly assured of this as if he had 
been with him at the last, and heard from his own mouth that 
he was going to Jesus. 

The following tribute to our departed hero has been received 
from a college classmate: 

My acquaintance Avith William Pohlman began September, 
1859, at which time we entered the Freshmen's class of Rutger's 
collesre at .New Brunswick, N. J. We soon became well 



494 LIEUT. M'lLLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

acquainted, and our acquaintance rapidly grew into a strong 
friendship, which continued until he left the college in the spring 
of 1861. 

He was, in many respects, a remarkable young man. The 
first prominent characteristic that one would notice in him 
was his sprightliness and vivacity. He was very quick in his 
movements, and all his actions showed that he possessed an 
energy that might be quite irresistible. His continual good 
nature made him a most pleasant companion, and this alone won 
for him many friends. He was always ready for fun; was noto- 
rious in his class for his perpetual good humor and pleasant wit; 
and in all college sports, none was more eagerly sought or better 
fitted to take the lead than Pohlman. 

Combined with this natural buoyancy of spirit and activity of 
body, was a natural quickness of mind, which made study no 
real task for him. His power of quickly grasping and thoroughly 
comprehending a subject, was indeed wonderful in one so young. 
For him a ftw moments would be sufiicient in which to acquire 
a perfect knowledge of a lesson, which it would take most of his 
classmates an hour to learn, and his recitations were almost 
invariably 'perfect. This quickness of mind, combined with a 
most excellent memory, an ambitious zeal and an indomitable 
perseverance, soon ranked him among the best in his class, and 
we all looked upon ^Villiam H. PoiiLM^ysr as one who, if spared, 
would make his mark in the world. 

But these are intellectual graces. There are also graces of the 
soul which as far outshine the intellectual, as the noonday sun 
excels in brightness and glory the midnight star. These spi- 
ritual graces Pohlma:n possessed in an eminent degree. His 
whole walk and conversation evidenced true piety of heart. As 
he entered upon his college course with the design of preparing 
for the ministry, his Avhole energies while in college, were bent 
towards the attainment of that object. He was always in his 
place at the college prayer meeting on Friday afternoons, and 
his fervent prayers and earnest exhortations often warmed our 
hearts and encouraged us to renewed diligence in the Master's 
service. It may be proper also to state here, tljat as he con- 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 495 

templated entering upon the foreign missionary work, he was 
one of a faithful few who sustained a missionary prayer meeting. 
This little band often met in his own room, and on those occa- 
sions fervent prayers were offered to God in behalf of the mis- 
sionary cause. 

A prominent and well known characteristic was his love of 
everything that was honorable and manly. He despised mean- 
ness, in any shape or form, and nothing would so rouse his indig- 
nation and scorn as the conmiission, by any one, of a cowardly 
and ungentlei^ianly act. He was generous to a fault, always 
ready to use any means in his power to accommodate a friend, or 
relieve any one in distress. 

Such were some of the characteristics of Willia3I H. Pohl- 
MAN. Every one who knew him could not but love him, and all 
saw before him a bright career of usefulness, when he should 
enter upon the laliors of the minister of Christ. But God, in 
his providence, ordered otherwise. He had scarcely passed 
through two years of his collegiate course, Avhen the trumpet 
of war sounded through the land. Traitors were aiming deadly 
blows at the life of the Nation. Men were needed to punish 
them, and save our Government from a horrible death, and 
Pohlmax Avas the first, among a number of others in Rutger's 
College, to shoulder his musket and rush to the field of battle. 
Friends and relatives expostulated, entreated him not to go, but 
in vain. He saw his duty before him, and that duty must be 
performed. He fought Ijravely. For two long years he patiently 
and patriotically endured all tlie toils and privations of a sol- 
dier's life, when, at the battle of Gettysburg, July, 1863, he 
received the wound which soon after caused his death. 

Thus terminated the glorious career of one of Rutger's noblest 
sous; the devoted Christian student; the patriotic Christian sol- 
dier. God's ways are mysterious; but He doeth all things well. 
Yet who would say that it were doubting God's goodness, as we 
stand by that silent grave, to wish that William H. Poiilman 
might have lived to become, what he bade fair to be, a faithful 
servant of Christ. 



490 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

The following account of the conversion, and Christian charac- 
ter of Mr. PoHLMAN, has been furnished by an esteemed fellow 
citizen, Mr. Anthony: 

Albany, March 7, 1866. 
Mrs. J. McClure: 

Madam — In compliance with your request that I would furnish 
you with the incidents relating to the conversion antl the earlier 
Christian life of your nephew and my former pupil, Willi^vjm H. 
PoHLMAN, I would present the following statement: 

I think it was in the autumn of 1856, that, near the close of 
the day, I was in company with George Blake, (afterwards 
Sergeant Blake, Eighteeth Eegiment New York Volunteers,) 
when he expressed a desire to converse on the subject of reli- 
gion. Gladly accepting the proposition, I induced him to lead 
the conversation. This was done with a view of eliciting the 
train of thought that was evidently passing through his mind, 
and w^ith the hope of bringing our discourse to a profitable issue. 
The result was Avhat had been anticipated. He left me, im- 
pressed with the necessity of immediate action. It was not long 
that I was obliged to wait for the joyful announcement that he 
had yielded to the claims of his Saviour. 

Soon after this, knowing that your nephew was very intimate 
with George, I took occasion one day to inform him of what 
his friend had done, and how he had been blessed; reminding 
him that the way of salvation was no less open to him, than to 
the one who had already begun to walk in it. He gave me 
encouragement to believe that he would think seriously upon 
what had been said. He was faitliful to his promise, and in a 
few days he too brought me the pleasing intelligence that he 
had accepted Christ as his personal Saviour, and was resolved 
henceforth to live to His honor and glory. This interview, as 
' well as the preceding one, was marked by perfect cahnness on 
both sides. My own mind was entirely free from excitement, 
and I wished that his should be so too. There is every reason 
to believe that it was so. He had evidently been doing what 
he had for a long time felt it his duty to do. 

His friend George was soon made acquainted with the stand 



LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN, 497 

that he had taken; and it was resolved that we three should 
institute a private prayer meeting. In a short time we had an 
addition of one or two more; and the systematic study of the 
Bible was superadded to the exercise of prayer. Many a plea- 
sant and profitable hour was spent in this way; and William 
was never willingly absent from our little circle. Here I had 
an excellent opportunity of studying the inner spiritual life of 
every member of my class; while the daily walk of each one, as 
manifested in the school room, could easily be compared with 
the standard which a profession of religion so plainly indicates. 
With such means before me of judging, I can say, most emphat- 
ically, that if he, of whom I write, was not a servant of Christ, 
I have no means of knowing who is so. I know of no act in his 
life, while he remained under my charge, that was inconsistent 
with, v.diile I can remember many things that served to adorn, a 
Christian profession. 

In the year 1858, during the great revival, a most marked 
interest in religion was manifest among the youth of our city. 
The boys' prayer meeting, held at the rooms of the Christian 
Association, was largely attended, although it occurred at a time 
usually devoted to play. It was not a rare thing to see in the 
entrance halls, instruments of boyish sports, now laid aside, that 
their owners might enjoy an hour of communion with God, and 
of spiritual intercourse with each other. The devotional zeal 
of those boys on such occasions might profitably be copied by 
their elders, when, as members of the visible church, they assem- 
ble for prayer and praise. Our little gathering, which had con- 
tinued its meetings for more than a year, had now merged itself 
in this larger convofcation, where William still exhibited the 
same earnestness of purpose that had characterized his efforts 
from the ver}^ commencement of his religious career. And so it 
was with him as long as any opportunity was aftbrded me of 
observing his course of life. During all these years, nothing 
occurred, on his part, to modify my opinion of him as an earnest, 
consistent follower of his Divine Master. How could I doul)t 
that he Avas so, while I bore in mind His words who said, "By 
their fruits ye shall know them." 

32 



498 UEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 

It gives me great pleasure to bear this testimony in favor of 
one so dear to both of us, so earnest in the great business of life, 
and whose blessed privilege it was, in his early departure hence, 
to set a seal, with his own warm blood, to his sense of obligation 
to our beloved country and our common humanity. 

Very truly yours, 

C. H. ANTHONY, 
Late Principal Albany Classical Institute. 



LIEUT. HENRY D. BEOWER. 499 



XLV. 

LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 

No feature of the late war is more remarkable and providential 
than the uprising of the young men of the nation, in response 
to the call of the President of the United States for soldiers to 
fill the ranks of the Union army. Especially are we impressed 
with the readiness of Christian young men to leave home and 
friends, church and Sabbath school, and the finest prospects for 
usefulness and prosperity, and devote their all to their country. 
Their religious consistency and zeal, too, after they entered the 
camp; the heroic manner in which they battled with temptation, 
as well as with the foes of civilization and liberty; their labors 
and success in bringing their impenitent comrades to Jesus, are 
such as call forth our warmest gratitude and highest admiration. 

Among the Christian heroes, no one stands higher or presents 
a purer record than the lamented martyr whose history we pro- 
pose now to trace. 

Henry Douglass Brower, son of S. Douglass Brower, was 
l)orn in Albany, on the 12th day of November, 1839. His 
mother's maiden name was Harriet Putnam. The happy home 
circle, of which he was the youngest member, was not destined 
to remain long unbroken, for he was called to witness in one 
short week the decease of his mother, and a brother next older 
than himself. His mother died on the 28th of October, 1843, 
and his brother on the 22d of October, 1843, 

At the age of sixteen years, Henry was in his father's employ 
as a manufacturer of silver ware, where he remained until he 
was of age, and became master of his profession. He became 
hopefully converted to God, and joined the First Congregational 
Church, when about nineteen years of age. He was engaged in 



500 LIEUT. HENEY D. BROWEK. 

the Sabbath school of that church as treasurer, and, at the time 
of his enlistment, as assistant libi-aivian. 

At the breaking out of the rebellion, he, being a young man, 
felt that he ought to respond to the call of the President for sol- 
diers to defend the Republic; and the more he thought upon the 
su1)ject tlie more deeply he became convinced that it was his 
duty to enlist. His father cordially approved of his course, and 
the feelings which animated the father in his approval were 
illustrated by an incident which occurred at a subsequent period. 

A man came into liis office one clav, after Henry had gone to 
the front, and after inquiring about " the boy," and making 
some remarks as to the way the war was being conducted, said, 
" If Henry was killed, his life would be wasted, for he believed 
the Government could not sustain itself, but must soon go to 
pieces." Said his father, " I have four sons, one is now in the 
army, but sooner than see this Government go to pieces, I would 
not only see that one killed, but would send the other three 
too, and then, if necessary, go myself." 

That was the true spirit of loyalty, that made him approve 
his son's choice, and that spirit Henry carried with him as he 
left home to do battle for his country. After having decided to 
become a soldier himself, his next thought was to try and call 
together young men enough of good moral character, to form a 
company. After spending considerable time and money, he at 
length had the satisfaction of marching to the Barracks at the 
head of the first installment of men, who after having been 
recruited to the requisite number, were known as the Eleventh 
New York Battery, or the Havelocks; taking the name from 
General Havelock, and desiring, that like him, they might be 
good as well as brave men. On the first of October, 18G1, he 
was mustered into the service as a private. Afterwards he 
made application to Brigadier General Rathbone to be trans- 
ferred to some other company, and being successful, he left 
Albany for Washington on the 17th January, 1862, as Corporal 
in the Twelfth New York Battery, under command of Captain 
William H. Ellis. The company left here in a severe snow 
storm, and after many detentions, reached Washington January 



LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 501 

28tli, at about 7 o'clock iu the evening. They received orders 
the next morning to be prepared to leave for Fort Ellsworth. 

In his diary he says: 

" January 30. — This morning we started for the fort, at eight 
o'clock. It rained very hard, and the mud Avas ankle deep. I 
never saw such mud. The Albany Barracks are nothing to it. 
I was, I confess, a little disappointed to hnd nothing but tents 
for our accommodation. However, I shall soon be all right, as I 
have expected hardships." 

From the outset of his military career, Henry manifested an 
earnest religious zeal, as well as a pure and lofty patriotism. In 
his diary and in his letters this is very apparent. 

To a younger brother, whose name was Charles Moore 
Brower, he wrote as follows, after learning that he had a hope 
in Christ: 

" There is one thing, Charlie, I wish to speak to you about 
particularly. You have hoped that you aTe a Christian. Oh! 
my brother, stand fast in the faith. You have had experience 
enough, even in so short a time, to know that it will be a hard 
battle. Temptations will beset you; that you must overcome. 
Don't think to gain friends by yielding to temptations; for the 
very friends that you might thus gain would despise you for it. 
Such friends are not worth having. 

"But do not be discouraged by the difficulties that attend the 
Christian course. Have the most implicit faith in God. He will 
bring you safely through them all. Our first duty is to love 
Him with all our heart, and "perfect love casteth out fear." This 
you know, and the rest will be easy. 

"I have been some time in camp, and know what a young 
man's peculiar temptations are here, and the only way to steer 
clear of them, is to have the Bible for one's chart." 

In a letter to his father, dated June 11th, he says: 

" As you see by my letter, I have changed my quarters, but 
for hoAV long, I am unable to say. We are detailed from the 
various companies and regiments, under Gen. Whipple's com- 
mand, for a brigade guard at his head-quarters, which are at 
Arlington Heights. It is a beautiful place: on a hill, covered 



502 LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 

by a very fine grove, commanding a splendid view of Washing- 
ton and the Potomac, wliile around the house is a beautiful 
lawn. At the time the war broke out, it was occupied by Gen. 
Lee. Many of the negroes are still here. These Heights for- 
merly belonged to the Custis ftmiily, and their graves are to be 
seen in the grove not far from the house." 

Very early in his connection with the army, Henry manifested 
his courage and daring, as Avill appear from the following inci- 
dent, described to Charlie, under date of July 20th: 

" You say you like anything that savors of adventure; so I'll 
tell you of a little one which I had the other night. The offi- 
cers of the Sixty-ninth Regiment have been in the habit of 
coming up to our camp, when on guard at night, under pretense 
of making the '■grand rounds^'' which you know are made by 
the officer of the day, officer of the guard — a Captain and 
Lieutenant, with a file of guards. They, not being attached to 
us, or in any way connected with us, have no right to enter our 
camp at night, under any pretext whatever, not even with the 
countersign, without calling our officer of the day to pass them 
in. Several times they had imposed upon the guard and got in, 
and then boasted of their success, and ridiculed the order we 
had in camp. The other night, when I was on guard, about 
three o'clock, just after posting the guard, I heard the call, 
' Corporal of the guard. No. 7.' I ran down to post seven, to 
see what was up, and found the ' grand rounds ' from the Sixty- 
ninth, and asked them their business. They replied they wished 
to go through the camp. I told them they could not go. They 
then wished to see the officer of the day. I went to his tent 
to call him, bidding them stand there till I came back. When 
I got back, they had passed the guard, and were coming towards 
me, the guard calling out to them to halt, but not daring to stop 
them. I ran down and ordered them to halt. Said the Captain, 
' Do you know who I am? I am the officer of the day.' I told 
him I couldn't see it. I recognized no officer of the day but 
our own. He turned to the guard, and ordered them forward. 
I drew out my navy revolver, cocked it, and again ordered them 
to halt. The Captain, now, in a great rage, ordered his men to 



LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 503 

arrest me, and take me to the guard house of the Sixty-ninth. 
The guard brought down their muskets to a ' charge,' and came 
two or three steps, when I leveled my revolver full at the 
Lieutenant's breast, telling him if he came another step, I would 
blow him through. Now you may believe he stopped suddenly, 
for my pistol was cocked, and my finger trembling on the trig- 
ger. I say trembling, for I do not believe a man can be perfectly 
cool when just on the point of shooting a man through the 
heart, and a superior officer at that. I confess my hand did 
tremble some from the excitement, but not from fear. I call that 
a pretty close call for his life, for in another moment he would 
have been a dead man. I kept him there, till the officer of the 
day came up, and left them to him." 

Being in a "camp of instruction," and not in the field, affairs 
moved on with Henry in pretty much the same routine, from 
month to month. We find in his diary, under date of 20th 
November, 1862, this record: 

"About roll call tliis evening, the Captain called me to his 

tent, and informed me that Orderly had resigned, and at 

the same time offering mc the place, which I accepted; though 
I was much surprised that he should have offered it to me. I 
shall try and do my duty faithfully, whatever may be the con- 
sequences." 

He learned, soon after, that Col. Monroe, who was present at 
the drill that day, and who inspected the battery, had told the 
Captain that Henry was the best disciplinarian, and the most 
thoroughly acquainted with the artillery tactics, of any man in 
the battery, and that he must put him ahead. 

What he writes about doing his duty faithfully, accords well 
with what he considers to be his duty, as appears from a letter 
wa-itten home soon after: "What, indeed, is the country coming 
to ? There is nothing being done, and letters received from the 
front say that men are deserting by scores. There is no use in 
denying the fact. We are in a bad fix, but I am not discouraged; 
the weaker the country gets, the more I am willing to sacrifice 
for her. * * * I am very sorry that such large bounties 
were ever paid for recruits. They might better have drafted the 



504 LIEUT. HENRY D. BEOWER. 

men at once, then we should have had some men. Now, two- 
thirds are disabled, and after staying around the companies three 
or four months, at the government expense, have to be dis- 
charged." 

In consequence of his ability, faithfulness and l)ravery, Henry 
was made Lieutenant March 30th, 1863. 

During the forced march of the Army of the Potomac, after 
the battle of Gettysl)urg, he was taken sick. In fact, he was 
quite unwell when the order came to advance, being threatened 
with a fever; but after lying still so long, he could not entertain 
the thought of being on the sick list just as the moment for action 
came, and his account of that march shows his determination not 
to give up: 

' ' That was a great march we had after the battle of Gettys- 
burg. They did not give us a chance to rest day nor night. I 
was sick most of the time, although I managed to keep on duty 
until the army halted at Warrenton. It came hard, though. 
Sometimes when I would be lying down under a tree, burning 
up with fever, trying to get a little rest, the order would come 
to march, and I would have to get up, throw myself on my horse, 
and take command of my section. The night we crossed the 
Potomac, we started in the afternoon about five o'clock, and 
traveled all that night until three o'clock next morning (over one 
of the worst roads I ever saw), when we commenced the passage 
of the river on a pontoon bridge. About seven o'clock we halted 
for breakfast (salt pork, hard tack and cotfee, for a sick man), and 
then continued our march, halting about four o'clock in the after- 
noon. I was in the saddle all this time, about twenty-three 
hours, and very glad was I to throw myself upon the ground 
when we did halt." 

This great strain upon him in his feeble condition, so increased 
the fever that he was totally unfit for duty, and was sent to the 
hospital at Georgetown, known as the Seminary hospital. He 
entered the hospital on "the 30th July, and was very low with 
typhoid fever. He was there until the 23d August, when, having 
so far recovered, he procured leave of absence for thirty days, 
and came home for the first time. 



LIEUT. HENRY D. BROAVER. 505 

On reaching home, he was extremely weak and emaciated, but 
with good nursing and rest, he was able to report himself at the 
hospital for duty when his leave of absence had expired, and 
from thence to the battery, which was encamped near Culpepper. 

The battery left there, however, on the the 11th October, and 
after several marches, came to camp at Catlett's Station October 
22d. Writing home, under date of December 4th, 1863, he says: 

"We left our camp near Brandy Station one week ago, and 
returned to it yesterday. It was the roughest week I have passed 
while in the service. The order came on Monday evening to 
march at daylight next morning. Long before daylight I was up,» 
seeing to getting the teams harnessed, &c. Just before daylight 
it commenced raining very hard, and was almost freezing cold. 
We moved out, and came into park near the railroad, while 
Lieut. Dauchy went to report to Gen. Prince, of the Second 
Division. After waiting in the rain aljout an hour, the Lieuten- 
ant came and told us the great move had been indefinitely post- 
poned, so we moved up to the Second Division, and went into 
camp. About noon it cleared up, and that afternoon I heard we 
should move on Thursday. We had our turkey, and kept our 
Thanksgiving on Wednesday. At daylight Thursday morning, 
I drew out on the road with one section of the battery, and 
when the first regiment of the Second Division had passed, I fell 
into the column — the rest of the battery was to march in rear of 
the division. The roads were pretty bad, and if it had rained 
much longer, it would have been impossible to have got along. 
As it was, we were nearly fast in the mud. The guns were very 
heavily loaded with grain and rations for the men. Five days' 
rations we carried with us. About noon the column halted, and 
very soon an Orderly came back and said the General wished to 
see me. I went forward, when he sent me ahead to pick out a 
good place for the two guns, where they would command the 
ford and the hill beyond. This was at Jacob's ford, on the Rapi- 
dan. I took the pieces and placed them in position, fully expect- 
ing to use them shortly, as the rebels were in plain sight on the 
opposite bank. Our skirmishers were sent forward and forded 
the stream, and moved up the hill. 



506 LIEUT. HENRY D. BEOWER. 

" The rebels waited until our men were most on to them, 
and then skedaddled. We waited there until dark, when I 
joined the battery, and we started for Germania ford, about two 
miles below. Now commenced our troubles. There was a bad 
hill to go up for the first thing. Here our horses got stuck, and 
we had to double our teams, take one carriage up at a time, and 
send the teams back after the next. In going through a piece 
of woods, a caisson ran against a stump, was overturned, and 
broke the stock. In trying to go round a wagon that was stuck 
in the road, we got stuck again. The horses were fagged out, 
and refused to draw. Here we had to double, which delayed us 
so long, that before we could get on the main road it was occu- 
pied by the Sixth Corps wagons, and we were cut off. It was 
enough to try the patience of a saint. The drivers were swear- 
ing at and lashing their horses; the cannoneers, prying at the 
wheels and swearing at the drivers. There was a train, of miles 
in length, behind us, which could not be moved till we were out 
of the way. The officers in charge of the train would come up, 
look on awhile, curse the whole battery, and go back again. 

"Finally, about midnight, we got out on the road, and after 
cutting off two or three trains, and receiving upon our devoted 
heads the curses of a score of mule drivers, we arrived at the 
ford. It took us from that time till ten o'clock next morning to go 
a distance of one mile and a half, with the road all clear ahead 
of us. If it had been dark, I do not know what we should have 
done, but fortune favored us by giving us a beautiful full moon. 
Well, we got breakfast, fed the horses, and at noon started again. 
That night we camped in what is called the " Wilderness," it 
being a complete forest from this place, near the Rapidan, to 
Fredericksburg. For several hours before dark, there was quite 
lively firing Avith musketry but a short distance ahead of us. 

"The next morning about eight o'clock, we moved again, it 
raining very hard; went about one mile and laid out in the rain 
till noon, Avhen we again moved. 

" After various stoppages and going over the same old ' stick 
in the mud' arrangement, we brought up on a hill in sight of the 
rebel fires. Cold, tired and out of sorts, I laid down in my 



LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 507 

blankets and went to sleep, fully expecting to see a battle on the 
folloAving morning. 

" Morning came; our guns were placed in position and the range 
calculated. They were about eighteen hundred yards distant. 
There were four batteries in line, while the First Division of the 
Third Corps supported us. All day long we laid there watching 
the enemy, Avho were working like beavers — throwing up rifle 
pits. 

"In the afternoon we heard that Warren with the Second Corps, 
was on the left, trying to turn their right flank, and as soon as 
he opened with his guns we were to commence. That afternoon 
we advanced with our battery two hundred yards, while some of 
the infantry threw up redoubts for our pieces. At dark we 
drew back behind the hills, and made ourselves comfortable for 
the night. At daylight next morning we returned to the re- 
doubts. Soon the Chief of Artillery came riding along, and 
told us as soon as he opened with one piece on the right, to com- 
mence firing. About eight o'clock the gun was fired, and then 
such a hul)1iub I never heard. You see, when we advanced the 
two hundred yards it left the other batteries in our rear, and 
they had to fire over our heads. As the shells whistled over, I 
at first instinctively looked up, but of course could see nothing. 
The rifle shells as they go through the air seem to say, which 
one I which one ! 

" We did some very good shooting; our first shot was not far 
out of the way. We fired from our battery one hundred and 
seventy rounds. Just as Ave were going to bed, the band com- 
menced to play at headquarters. " There," said the boys (who 
were old soldiers) " we will retreat to-night, or else the band 
would not be playing." I could not believe this possible, as 
everything seemed in our favor, except that we were short of 
forao-e and rations. But about four o'clock next mornin"; the 
order came, to " get out of that as fiist as possible." I never 
was more disappointed in my life, for I did want to fight them 
then. Well, we started on the retreat, marching until three 
o'clock, Avhen we put up for the night. I went into an old 
school house which had just been vacated by some soldiers, and 



508 LIEUT. HENRY I). BROAVEB. 

found a lusty fire Ijurning in a stove made by Treadwells & 
Perry of Albany. It was like seeing an old friend. 

" After various tribulations we have at last got back to camp, 
and indeed it is quite time, for our horses have not had a particle 
of hay or grain since day before yesterday, and had l)een for the 
week previous on only ten pounds per day. But the worst of 
all was last night. We had just got fixed all comfortably, with 
no idea of being disturbed again very soon. I was sitting by the 
tire and reading my letters from home, which I had just received, 
when the order came to ^'- get up and gety 

" There was no help for it, and in an hour's time we were on 
the road, shivering and shaking in the saddle, and anathematizing 
the rebs, that couldn't " let us alone.^^ We w^ent about a mile 
and were ordered back to camp. A false alarm; the enemy had 
been driven back." 

Henry was at home on leave of absence for ten days, at the 
time the Sanitary Bazaar was held in Alljany, and returned to 
his battery the 1st of March, 1864. As he never came home 
again it is a satisfaction to his friends that he kept them so well 
informed by letter of what was transpiring, and of the part he 
took in the last campaign in which the Army of the Potomac 
moved under Lieut. Gen. Grant. 

Camp in the Field, May 12, 18 G4. 

It is now eleven o'clock in the morning, and a fierce battle lias 
been raging since daylight, the artillery keeping up a continual 
roll and roar. 

After giving an account of various battles and skirmishes, 
Lieut. Brower writes, under date of June 19th, camp two miles 
from Petersburg: 

" It must be remembered that this is one of the hardest cam- 
paigns in the history of the war. We have marched and fought 
night and day. I have often mounted my horse at noon of one 
day and hardly dismounted again till midnight of the next — 
through the sun, and dust and rain. It requires a good constitu- 
tion to stand It. A l)attery Captain was in our quarters yester- 
day, and si)eaking of Gr^vnt's perseverance, he said, ' we fight 



LIEUT. HENRY D. BROAVER. 509 

for a week or ten days, and then we say, well, this cannot last 
much longer; we must rest soon; we have lost thirty or forty 
thousand men; the army can't stand it; and then Grant comes 
along and says, ' You are doing lirst rate, boys; we'll now have 
a little Jighting,^ and at it we go again, to ^Jight it out on this 

" Instead of heading my letter as I did, I should have said ' In 
position,' for we are not in camp. Our pieces are in position, 
where they have done some tall shooting." 

"We left Coal Harbor on the 12th, and pushed for the James 
Eiver, which we crossed on the 15th, arriving at our present 
position that night, about 12 o'clock. A division of Butler's 
colored troops had that day taken three forts and a line of works, 
forming the eastern defences of Petersburg. The negroes fought 
well and have shown themselves to be brave and hardy soldiers. 
Our white soldiers who looked with such contempt upon the 
blacks but a few months since, have now extended to them the 
right hand of fellowship, and recognize them as fellow soldiers." 

The next letter of note, bears date of Camp near Petersburg, 
July 31st. 

"You have probably heard, ere this, of the movement of the 
Second Corps to the James River. * * * ^liis movement of 
the Second Corps was undoubtedly intended to draw all the forces 
they could from Petersburg, preparatory to making an attack on 
the city; and it was successful in drawing aAvay a goodly num- 
ber. That same night, about nine o'clock, our Battery reported 
to General Mott, commanding the Second Division, and took the 
back track for Petersburg. Our Captain took me to Gen. Mott 
and told him I would conduct the division by a shorter route to 
Petersburg. He appeared much pleased and availed himself of 
it. As soon as he crossed the Appomattox, I reported to him, 
when he told me that General Ord had sent an aid to conduct 
him to the Eighteenth Corps, so my services were not needed. 

"It was understood that the mines were to have been sprung 
that morning, and we were sent to support the charge. For 
some reason the attack Avas not made, and we stood in harness 
all day, in a terribly hot sun. We received orders in the eve- 



510 LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 

ning to harness at three o'clock next morning, as the mines were 
to be sprung and we must be ready. About four o'clock in the 
morning the battle opened", and continued till about seven o'clock. 
The cannonading was terrible. I rode out on the line of the 
Eighteenth Corps to see what was going on, and before I was 
aware of it, was under fire. Several case shot exploded over 
my head, and one struck into the parapet in front of me while I 
was looking over. 

"We all expected that Petersburg would be ours before night. 
We were confident of it. I saw a thirteen inch mortar at work 
which did finely. When that went ofl' it was like a young 
earthquake. 

"When the attack was made on Petersburg, the fort was blown 
up, and everything was working beautifully, and all it needed was 
for the charging party to do ordinarily well, and the city would 
have been ours. But the charging column, after it had carried 
the breach, laid down and refused to go another inch. This 
gave the enemy time to rally; the auspicious moment was lost, 
and the day was lost. It does require some firmness to see all 
these things, and still at all times look at the bright side." 

Camp near Petersburg, August llih. 

On looking over, I find that since leaving Washington last 
summer, we have lost, from our battery, over one hundred horses. 
It costs our Uncle Samuel something for horses. 

I think you take it easier than I do, about that mine explosion 
the other day. I cannot but think of the hundreds of lives that 
were lost for nothing; thrown away on account of somebody's 
carelessness, cowardice or fault in some way. * * # 

I am determined to see this thing out, and hope and pray that 
we of the north will 7iever yield one iota to the rebels, that, 
whatever the consequences, we will fight it out to the bitter end. 

This was the last letter Lieutenant Brower wrote, of any 
importance. 

The first intimation the friends had that he had been killed, 
was by a letter in the New York Herald, by its correspondent, 
giving an account of the battle at Eeam's Station, under date of 



LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 511 

August 26th. In speaking of our artillery, among other things, 
he says, "The Twelfth New York Battery was near the right of 
the First Division. Captain McKnight and Lieutenant Bull, 
both of whom had distinguished themselves on previous occa- 
sions, w^ere not with the battery; McKnight being sick at City 
Point and Bull being on staif duty. The battery was com- 
manded by Lieutenant Dauchy, who directed the fire of the 
three guns while Lieutenant Brower fought the other. This 
promising young officer, Lieutenant Brower, was shot in the 
head, when the enemy broke through our line. He was giving 
orders for pouring into the advancing enemy double shotted 
canister, w^hen he was killed at his gun." 

The mails, for several days before and after the battle, had 
been kept back, and the friends did not receive intelligence 
direct from the battery until August 31st, when they received a 
letter from Lieutenant Dauchy, of August 27th, as follows: 

S. D. Brower, Esq.: 

Sir — It is my duty to report to you the death, on the field of 
battle of your son, Henry D. Brower, Second Lieutenant of this 
battery. On Tuesday night last, the First and Second Divisions 
of the Second Corps marched to Ream's Station, on the Weldon 
railroad, for the purpose of tearing up the track. Our battery 
was put in position to the right of the station. We remained 
quiet on Wednesday, and Thursday morning skirmishing com- 
menced, with the enemy nearly all round us. In the afternoon 
they made two charges, to the left of where we were, but were 
repulsed. About five o'clock firing again commenced and we 
opened with artillery. Shortly afterwards, General Miles or- 
dered me to send one gun about three hundred yards to the left, 
where the railroad crossed our works. I sent the right piece, 
and the Lieutenant with it, when, soon, the rebels charged in 
column upon the works, just to the left of where he was with 
the piece. He opened with cannister, serving the gun with his 
usual unsurpassed bravery and gallantry, and doing great execu- 
tion in the enemy's ranks. But our infantry did not stand, and 
the enemy broke through the lines. At this instant Henry was 



512 LIEUT. HENRY D. BEOWER. 

struck iu the head with a musket ball and fell, instantly, dead 
across the trail handspike. 

General Miles spoke very highl}^ of Henry's efficiency and 
bravery. He could not do otherwise. His conduct on all occa- 
sions was above all praise. 

On the same day the family received a letter which had been 
sent by a member of the Eleventh Battery to Col. E. Jewett, 
then Curator of the State Geological Cabinet, and who handed it 
to the family for perusal, accompanying it with the following 
note : 

August 31, 1864. 
S. D. Brower: 

My dear Sir — I have this moment received the enclosed letter, 
with the sad news of the death of your noble son. Most sin- 
.cerely do I condole with you and your family for the great 
bereavement. 

I knew him well, and highly prized his friendship, and I do 
not know a youug man of more superior worth and virtue. He 
has sacrificed his life to his country, and if anything can allay the 
grief of his friends, it is the knowledge that he died a true Chris- 
tian, in the full discharge of his duty to God and his country. 
In the true spirit of condolence and grief for the loss of my 
esteemed young friend, I am, truly yours, 

E. JEWETT. 

The letter to which he refers, which was to himself, is as follows: 

Camp near Weldon Eailroad, South of ? 
Petersburg, August 26, 1864. ) 

Dear Friend — Our mutual friend, Lieut. Henry D. Brower, is 
dead. Yes, our noble friend fell fiofhtmo- at the late euo-ao-ement 
at Ream's Station, pierced through the brain by a rebel bullet, as 
the enemy charged. It was impossible to recover his body. 

You will please inform his parents. I would write them, but 
do not know his father's address. Inform them that Henry was 
a brave fellow, and died in a good cause. Ah ! in him I have 
lost a good friend and comrade. He was a youug man possessed 



LIEUT. HENEY D. BROWER. 513 

of man}^ social and rare qualities, and beloved by his comrades. 
He was a brave and accomplished officer, and enlisted in the 
defence of his country with mingled feelings of pure patriotism 
and justice. 

His death will cast a gloom over a large circle of relatives and 
friends in the city and in the army, where he was greatly loved. 
Your friend, G. N. P. GALE, 

Eleventh New York Battery. 

The sad story is told; his career is ended. He who left his 
home in the buoyancy of opening manhood, was destined never 
to return. He sleeps in a nameless grave, and Virginia soil is 
sacred now to his friends and admirers, by the presence of his 
dust. 

His heroic deeds, his sacrifices for the peace and happiness of 
others, his lofty principles and his pure Christian example, will 
never be forgotten by the American people. The city of Albany 
gave him birth, but his glorious life belongs to the great Eepub- 
lic, and has entered into the forces that, with God's blessing, 
will make this Republic, for all future time, the home of just 
laws, universal liberty, and a pure Christianity. 



33 



514 LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 



XLVI. 

LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 

There are few histories connected with the hate war more 
touching than those of the Dempsey brothers, the three sous of a 
widowed mother, Mrs. Anna Dempsey, wlio resides at No. 106 
Hudson street, in this city. Tliese noble youths were early 
inspired with an ardent spirit of patriotism, and one after another 
went forth to light the battles of their country. Two of them 
offered up their lives upon the altar of their Nation, and the third, 
after great hardship and agonizing suffering, which he bore with 
Christian fortitude, was permitted to return to his home, and is 
now a resident among us. As these careers are somewhat inter- 
woven, one with another, and as they furnish a most remarkable 
illustration of the lofty patriotism of a whole family, we propose 
to sketch each of them. We commence with the eldest in age, 
although John, the second son, was the first to enlist in our 
army. 

James L. Dempsey was' the son of LAWPtENCE and Anna De3ip- 
SEY, and was born in New^ York city December 16, 1827. His 
father, a most upright and excellent man, died in the year 1850. 
The maiden name of his mother was Anna Moore, and her birth- 
place was the city of Albany. Mr. Moore, her father, served 
his countr}^ in the war of 1812, and at that time the property 
that the family had, was lost. When Miss Moore was quite 
young, both of her parents died, and she was left an orphan. 
She married Lawrence Dempsey, and first resided in New York 
city, and afterwards in Westchester county. Here the earliest 
days of James were spent, and here his love of nature, and taste 
for the beautiful, was constantly gratified. 

He was naturally of an ardent temperament and restless dis- 



LIEUT. JAIVIES L. DEMPSEY. 515 

position, and demanded a wide field for his activity and enter- 
prise. He was genial in his manners and gentle towards all. 
Jaivies was a youth of commanding aijd attractive appearance, 
and his society was sought for by many because of his ready 
wit and his great cheerfulness. 

His father wished him to learn a trade, which he did, but it 
was so uncongenial to his taste that he soon relinquished it, and 
went into business in the city of Troy, N. Y. 

Early in childhood, James became a hopeful Christian, and 
united with the Methodist church. Subsequently he joined the 
Second Reformed Dutch Church, of Albany. When the flag of 
our country that he so much loved, was fired upon, his heart was 
filled with indignation, and he was ready to defend it at once. 
But he was held back by the advice of friends; as he had a little 
family dependent upon him, though it was with great reluctance 
he declined the First Lieutenancy in one of the first regiments 
that left for the field of action. 

He resided in the city of Troy when the rebellion commenced, 
and the question of duty which was before him, whether to 
remain with his little family, or enter the field, made him very 
restless. In the spring of 1862 he made a change in his busi- 
ness and was just settling in Pittsfield, Mass., when another call 
was made for troops, and he could hesitate no longer. He said, 
at that time : "These children (two little boys, the eldest three 
years) shall not live to say their father took no part in this great 
struggle for the rights of our beloved country ? .1 shall go for 
the sake of my boys." He assisted in raising a company to be 
attached to the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, 
and was elected orderly of Co. B. by every vote of the members. 
They were greatly disappointed at his not receiving a commis- 
sion as Lieutenant, and they showed their warm friendship by 
presenting him with a handsome purse. In the spring of 1863 
he was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy. The regiment did 
garrison duty around and near Washington, and rendered valua- 
ble services in the building of fortifications at Fort Lyon. But 
the movements and experiences of Lieut. Dempsey may per- 
haps be best learnt from his letters, which were written to his 



516 LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 

mother and sisters, and to his wife. In the winter of 1864 his 
own family joined him, and remained at Harper's Ferry until his 
death. After several short letters, expressive of his love for the 
dear ones at home, and his interest in the sacred cause to which 
he had devoted himself, he writes thus: 

Upton Hill, Va., May 22, 1863. 

My dear Sister Mary — one and all — Your ever welcome letter 
of the 7th inst. arrived here yesterday; also the paper containing 
the glad tidings of the regiment which our noble brother has 
been with for the past two years, through so many trials and 
dangers. You may well say, rejoice with you, upon his safe 
return to his dear home, which I know he loves so well. I wish 
it could have been so ordered that Henry and myself could have 
been there to welcome him. 

But so it is. We must remain to help finish the great work 
which could not be completed during his time of service; and it 
is the sincere desire of my heart that we may be able to do as 
much, and act as nobly, in trying to crush this wicked rebellion, 
as he, our brother, has done. 

You say you dare not ask him Avhether it is his intention to 
return to the fieli. I think he has done his share. Yet, as 
regards the matter, I leave it with him. Should he enter the 
service again, nothing would please me better than to get a 
transfer, that we might come in the same regiment. I received 
a letter from Libbie of the same date as yours. Her health is 
not very good. The little boys are quite well. I wish you or 
mother, with brother John, could make her a visit. She likes 
her new home very much. 

I do not hear from brother Henry. It is strange that he does 
not write. His camp is about fourteen miles from here. If I 
' could get a pass, I would make him a visit. 

I like this camp better than the old one, for many reasons. I 
think it is more healthy, and, for my own part, I feel much bet- 
ter. Our list of sick is much less than formerly. The 29th of 
this month will make it one j^ear since I entered the service of 
the United States, and I should not feel sorry to be discharged 



LIEUT. JAMES L. DEIMPSEY. 517 

before another year rolls round. But we can not finish this big 
job in that time. One thing I am confident of: we shall finish 
it, if it takes five times two years. 

My love to sisters, mother and brother, as well as little Emmie. 
I send her some flowers, picked from the garden of a rebel, now 
in the Southern army. God bless you all. 

From your affectionate brother, JAMES. 

Harper's Ferry, July 20, 1863. 

My dear Mother, Brother and Sisters — You no doubt wonder 
at my long silence; but you will understand it, when I tell you 
of the chano;es of the reo;iment. On the ninth of this month we 
received marching orders. So sudden and rapid was the move- 
ment, that I lost all my clothing, except what I had on, together 
with my blankets. I had not even a change of under clothing. 
What I have on, I have worn two weeks. But I am wasting time 
talking of my poverty. 

We left Washington on the ninth, at eleven o'clock at night, 
and rode all night, and next day till night. We arrived at Sandy 
Hook, which is a mile below Harper's Ferry. On our way, we 
had one man killed by falling from the cars. We were then 
ordered to march through the. roughest countiy I have ever seen. 
Afterwards we camped on the Heights for a few days, our regi- 
ment doing picket duty at the river, and the rebels being on the 
other side. They often asked us, why we didn't take the place. 
Well, on Tuesday we were ordered to march to Harper's Ferry, 
pontoons being used to ferry us over. Our men were all anxious 
to reach the opposite shore, and not a man flinched. The rebels 
had everything prepared to give us a warm reception, but their 
firing was silenced by our sharpshooters, and they fled, leaving 
their guns loaded, which we captured. Our cavalry lost several, 
killed and wounded, while they captured a number of prisoners. 
The next day they had an engagement eight miles from here. 

But I will leave this subject and tell you something to inter- 
est you more. I have seen our brother Henry and he is here 
with me at Harper's Ferry. Do not be frightened, for he is not 
wounded nor dangerously sick, yet is completely worn out with 



518 LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 

fio;htin£r and marchins;. It would melt a heart of stone to hear 
him relate what he has gone through. How thankful I feel to 
my Heavenly Father for sparing him. I am thankful to you, 
my mother and sisters, for your prayers in behalf of my brother 
and myself, since our departure from our dear old home. Truly 
they have been answered, and Providence has now kindly directed 
this meeting, when a brother needs so much kindly care. 

I will tell you how I found him. On Thursday I learned the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regimeiit was some two miles 
from here. It was night, and I could not get a furlough then, 
but I learned they Avere to pass our camp the next day. I was 
up bright and early, that I might not miss seeing him, providing 
he was not one of that number of noble fellows who fell on that 
awful battlefield. I soon learned they were to take another 
direction, and turning my steps to gain some tidings, I met one 
of the regiment, who had been allowed to go ahead. He told 
me, on my inquiring for Heney, that he was Corporal in Com- 
pany F, and was safe. This was cause for thankfulness, and I 
hastened back to the camp, on a run, my time being so short. 
The next day I tried, in everyway, to get permission to visit the 
regiment, it having camped tAvo miles from here for rest. But 
we were expecting- marching orders, and no passes could be 
given. I started without permission (something I never had 
done before), and went as near as in sight of the camp. But I 
was so constantly reminded of doing wrong, that I turned back 
and gave up all hope of seeing him. The next day our company 
was ordered to do provost guard duty, and, at about twelve 
o'clock, my attention was called towards the ferry, when who 
should I see but my brother, trying to hobble along. I ran to 
meet him, and he was so overjoyed that tears flowed down his 
cheeks. I took his gun, and we started for my quarters. My 
first duty was to procure medical aid for him. Our surgeon 
prescribed for him, and advised a place of quiet rest. 

I procured board for him in a private family: but the walk 
being so long for Dr. Clark, he has got permission for him to 
enter the General Hospital. The surgeon will send a statement 
to his regiment. He says he will get along if nothing unfavor- 



LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 519 

able sets in while he is so weak. You must not worry about 
him. I shall see him Avhen I can, and do for him all I can. We 
are both so very grateful for this providential care. He had been 
granted a place in an ambulance, but he gave way for others 
whom he thought worse than himself. May God spare us both 
to meet you all once more, and may He bless you all. 

With love from us both, JAMES. 

Harper's Ferry, July 31, 1863. 

My dear Sister — Many thanks for your very kind and interest- 
ing letter of the 27th, just received. I wish it had been a day 
sooner. Our brother left yesterday for Washington, with six 
others. They were sent away because the room is needed for 
the wounded, a flag of truce having gone for those left in the 
rebel lines. Henry is stronger, and the Doctor thinks he will 
get along now, and soon be a])le to join his regiment. I wish 
he could have had the money 3'ou enclosed, for the poor fellow 
needs it. I did for him all I could, but my means were low, not 
having been paid for some time. 

I shall write and send Henry the money as soon as I learn 
where to direct to him. 

With love to all, your affectionate brother, JAMES. 

Strasburgh, May 19, 1864. 

My Dear Wife — This is the first opportunity I have had to 
write you. No doubt you have heard of the severe battle we 
have been engaged in. I have great reason to thank our 
Heavenly Father that I went through it unharmed. Manj^ of my 
comrades have been called, to give an account of the deeds done 
in the 1)ody. Our regiment suffered greatly. We had in all — • 
killed, wounded and missing, two .hundred and thirty. As 
near as we can learn thirty were killed. The enemy outnumbered 
us two to one. We were obliged to leave our dead and wounded 
in their hands. 

Col. Lincoln was wounded and is a prisoner. Capt. Baker 
was killed, and also Lieut. K. W. Waken. Capt. Ciianny and 
Lieut. Amerdam are taken prisoners. Capt. Willard, Avounded 



520 LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 

and in our hands. Lieut. Munercent, wounded. My company- 
have lost seventeen men, and I am the only officer in command. 
We have only one officer left to each company. I have just 
returned from picket duty, and am most worn out. May God 
bless you and our little ones, and spare me to return to you. 

JAMES. 

The following is Lieut. Deimpsey's last letter that has been 
furnished me. Like the others, it reveals his warm affection, 
his cool bravery, and his ardent patriotism. 

Harrisonburg, September 26, 1864. 

My Dear Mother and Sisters — As I have an opportunity of 
sending a letter, I improve it, knowing you must be anxious to 
hear from me. You have doubtless seen by the papers, that 
we have been engaged in some severe battles this past week. I 
have been in both of them — that at Winchester and the other at 
Fisher's Hill. Our loss is great, but small compared to that of 
the enemy. We completely demolished the whole of Early's 
army, and have driven them like a whirlwind before us. In the 
first battle, our regiment lost one hundred and nine men. Capt. 
Thompson was killed and our Adjutant was wounded. I had 
thirteen in my company wounded. 

I am sorry to inform you, that in the last battle, our little 
Major, one of my warmest friends was severely wounded, and I 
had three of my best men wounded. We are now encamped 
(for a few days or so) about one hundred miles from Harper's 
Ferry. Perhaps we shall get orders to march in the morning, 
if so, I shall not be surprised if we tried Lynchburg again. I 
think we shall take it, and if my l)rother John is there I am 
bound to bring him back with me. I do wish you would write 
me oftener, for I do like to hear from home. As regards my 
writing I have but little time, being in command of the companj^ 
Much love to you all. Yours in affection, JAMES. 

Thus our hero passed through hardship after hardship, and 
battle after battle, without a murmur; always hopeful, always 
courageous, and always at his post of duty. But his last hour 
was approaching. He who had so often and so miraculously 



LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 521' 

escaped the showers of shot and shell upon the battle field, is 
doomed at last, to receive the one missile out of the thousand, 
upon which his death sentence was written. 

With his usual buoyancy and invincible courage, he went forth 
on the morning of October 14, 1864, to engage in the terrible 
battle of Cedar Creek. While leading his company against the 
foe he was severely wounded in the forehead by a bursting shell. 
Several others were killed by the same shell, and among them 
Col. Wells, acting Brigade Commander, a most ardent friend 
of the Lieutenant. 

Lieutenant Dempsey was borne from the field, and died Octo- 
ber 17, 1864. Of his last days, and of the estimation in which 
he was held we have an account in the folloAving letters, both ad- 
dressed to his afflicted widow : 

Smith Hospital, Winchester, Virginia, ) 

October 17, 1864, Monday Evening. ) 

My dear Mrs. Dempsey — I wrote you last Friday and gave 
you, as correctly as possible, the detail of all I knew relative to 
your husband and my friend. Saturday he remained much the 
same, sleeping most of the time. I could not carry on any con- 
versation with him as he only ansAvered my questions by "yes" 
or "no." I asked him if he knew me, he replied " yes." I then 
asked him to call my name, but he did not answer. I told him 
that I was Dr. Smith, and asked him if he knew me. He replied 
"yes." Once he asked for water, and, occasionally, he said 
something, evidently in delirium, about the battle, such as orders 
to "advance," "halt," "steady, there," "close up," &c. I tried 
to converse with him about you and his children, but he did not 
seem to understand me. I asked him if I should send for you, 
he quickly replied "yes." This was the only time when he 
evinced any emotion. I asked him if I should write to his 
mother and sisters, he said, " yes." I think he did not have full 
possession of his intellect at any time after he was wounded. 
Sunday he remained much the same. I kept my best nurses, 
from our regiment, by his bed-side, constantly, when I was not 
with him. He would eat but little. I had his food carefully 



522 LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSET. 

prepared for him by a union lady who lives near here, and visits 
my hospital daily. To-day he appeared much the same (evidently 
much weaker) until five o'clock in the afternoon, when he died, 
so quietly that we hardly knew he was dying. He was Avholly 
without pain and seemed like one sleeping. 

During the whole time he has been with me, I believe he has 
suffered no pain. I gave him no medicine, as he did not require 
it. His head was kept cool and the room still and quiet. He 
and Captain Soley had my room; large, clean and Avith good air. 

Enclosed you will find his Masonic pin and a ring I took from 
his finger. His old clothing I have thrown aAvay, as it was much 
soiled and torn by pieces of shell, etc. His knapsack was in the 
regimental wagon, and I sent for it while the Avagon was passing 
this place on its way front. 

1 have carefully embalmed the body; dressed it, and covered 
the wound. I think you will have no trouble in keeping it 
several days after it reaches your home. Of course, you will 
send Avord to his lodge, that his old friends and brothers may 
meet and do honor to their companion. 

I Avisli I could 1)0 near you at this time, and take part of this 
great grief from you, and use my strong and willing hands for 
your benefit. Should you, at any time, require a friend or need 
friendship exhibited in any manner, call upon the friend of your 
husband through all things, and your friend, C. B. SMITH. 

Opesum Crossing, Virginia, December 7, 1864. 
My dear Friend — Until yesterday, I knew nothing of your 
Avhereabouts. I should have written you immediately after the 
loss of your husband, but Ave Avere in the field and I had no op- 
portunity. That field of " Stickney's Farm," was a terrible 
one to us all. Not the least among its sorrowful memories is 
that of the loss of your brave, noble, genial husband. Brave 
and courageous as ever a man was in the field ; the life of the 
social circle about the camp fire ; beloved and respected by every 
man andoflSccrs in the regiment; he has gone to return no more. 
None knew hoAV much he was estimated until his memory and 
brave deeds alone Avere left us. 



LIEUT. J^VIMES L. DEMPSEY. 523 

You wore not left alone in your grief. The warmest sj^mpa- 
thies of us all, nu'ngle with jour tears. As no one can supply 
his place in your heart, at your table, and around your fireside ; 
so in our hearts, and around our bivouac fire, there is a place for- 
ever vacant. 

He has left behind a reputation of which, you may be proud, 
and to which his children can point without one regret, or shadow 
of blush. Scarcely a day passes that I don't hear an exclama- 
tion, " poor DEMrsEY, 'twas too bad." Though near him when 
he was struck, I didn't know of it till Sergeant Houohton came 
to me and said. Captain Dempsey is hit, shall I go to him?" I 
looked round and saw him staggering about, apparantly uncon- 
scious. I at once sent Houghton to him, directing him to lead 
the Lieutenant into a small ravine, where he would be out of 
the way of the shells which the rebels were raining down on us. 
That was the last I ever saw of your husband, 

The country can never repay the sacrifice you have been 
called upon to make. No truer soldier, no braver or more 
cheerful comrade, has been offered upon liberty's altar than your 
own brave husband. I learned your address of Dr. Smith. 
Accept for yourself and family the earnest sympathy of 
Your friend, A. POTTER, 

Lieut. Col. Com^cfg Mth Mass. Inftry. 

Mrs. James L. Dempsey. 

When the telegraphic wires bore to his home the sad news 
that he was wounded, a sister started immediately to go to him. 
But before she reached Harper's Ferry, she heard that the be- 
loved brother was no more. With a sorrowing heart she 
returned home, with his widow and the two fatherless boys. His 
funeral took place from the residence of his mother, October 
28th, 1864, and was attended by a detachment from the " Vete- 
ran Reserves." 

His body M\as borne, with military honors, to the Albany Rural 
Cemetery, where, side by side, the brave brothers sleep. The 
bereaved relatives are sustained under their great sorrow by the 
hope that the parted will meet again. 



524 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEjVIPSEY. 



XLVII. 

LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 

John M. Dempsey was the second son of Lawrence and Anna 
Dempsey, and was born in Westchester county, October 6th, 
1836. He was a child of a quiet and thoughtful turn of mind; 
obedient to his parents, and full of kindness towards his sisters. 
Very early he manifested a thirst for knowledge, and desired to 
receive a liberal education. But the pecuniary circumstances 
of his parents only enabled them to give him the advantages of 
a common school. When he was fourteen years of age, his 
father died, and he felt at once the responsibility of making 
exertions to aid in support of the family. He served as clerk in 
several establishments in Albany; but most of the time he was 
in the clothing store of Messrs. Davis, Craft & Wilson. Mr. 
Craft was one of his warmest friends, and took a deep interest 
in his welfare. 

To his widowed mother and fond sisters, John was everything 
that could be desired. He seemed to combine the qualities and 
services of father, brother and sou. He was ever ready to sacri- 
fice his own interests for .the happiness of those around him; 
and he seemed to live for the consolation and welfare of the 
dear ones, over whom a great shadow of sorrow had fallen. 

But while thus devoted to those who were bound to him bj 
the tenderest ties, he was not indifferent to the agitating questions 
relative to our National affiiirs. Upon the plottings of the 
traitors to the Eepublic, in 1860 and 1861, he looked with the 
greatest solicitude. Being sensitive by nature, he was keenly 
alive to the honor and prosperity of his country, and, at the first 
call for troops to sustain the Government, he resolved to enlist. 
In connection with Mr. M. H. Donovan, (afterwards Captain,) 



LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 525 

he made every exertion to raise a company to be attached to the 
Eighteenth N. Y. Vol. Infimtry, expecting to hold a commission 
as First Lieutenant. Owing, however, to the rapidity with 
which regiments were formed at that time, a change was made 
in the luimber assigned for each company, and companies were 
consolidated, leaving a surplus of those who expected offices. 
As his was a spirit of pure love for his country, he lost no time 
in controversy for office, but enrolled his name at once as a pri- 
vate in Company F, Eighteenth New York State Volunteers. 
He was, however, immediately promoted to the position of 
Orderly. To buckle on the armor for the ranks required but 
little eflbrt, compared with that which it cost him to reconcile 
his mother and sisters to this step. Yet such were liis convic- 
tions of duty that he could only answer to their entreaties and 
tears, " I shall not fall before God's appointed time." His sister 
remarked: "There are those that can be better spared than you; 
those who are of little use at home." He replied calmly, though 
his eye flashed with emotion: " Our army must not be made up 
of worthless meni" 

During the stay of the regiment at the barracks in this city, 
an incident occurred worthy of note. He w^as presented with a 
pack of playing cards. These he sent home, with the message: 
"I shall have no use for these in the army;" and to the spirit 
of this resolution he firmly adhered, never once using a card 
during his time of service. 

On the 17th of June, 1861, he bid adieu to those whom he so 
dearly loved, and received the parting blessing of his mother. 
His leaving home at that time was made more sorrowful. from 
the fact, on that day the eldest child, and only son, of his 
widowed sister — a beautiful boy of eight years — had been carried 
to the grave; the sister having been made a widow but six 
months previously by the death of her estimable husband, Major 
A. R. Ten Broeck, formerly of U. S. Army. 

The regiment started for Washington on the 18th of June, and 
was encamped near Washington and Alexandria till the first 
Bull Run battle, in which it took a part. Through this he passed 
safely. 



626 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 

In the autumn the regiment became a part of the "Grand 
Army of the Potomac," under Gen. McClellan. 

Mr. Dempsey, by his kind manners and great efficiency, won 
the esteem of all his comrades, and, on the 2d of December, 
1861, he was promoted to the office of Second Lieutenant in Co. 
F. His promotion was received with great enthusiasm by his 
numerous friends. 

He was also the recipient of a sword, sash and belt, presented 
to him by his company. For these marks of favor he expressed 
his profound gratitude, in his letters to his friends. 

Mr. Dempsey, like his brother, was very faithful in writing 
home, and from his letters, we can best present the details of his 
military career. 

After the disastrous battle of Bull Run, he thus writes to his 
sister: 

Alexandria, Va., Jiily 24, 1861. 

My dear Sister — * * # # -pj^g battle of Bull Run was 
as hard fought as it was discouraging. You ask, how I stood it; 
I will tell you. When we started from here, we had our haver- 
sack (which was soon emptied), blanket, canteen and a rifle. 
Most of the l)oys threw away their blankets, and some their can- 
teens; but I thought the blanket came very good at night, and 
the canteen when I was thirsty, so I brought them all home with 
me — this camp, I mean, for it is the best home I have had since 
I left old Albany. Don't think that I complain, for I do not 
intend to complain of anything necessary to a soldier's life. My 
greatest desire is to do my duty. I did not expect, before me, a 
path strewn with roses, so I meet with no disappointments. 

Tell mother she must not worry, nor have any anxiety about 
me. I shall endeavor to take the best care of myself I possibly 
can. Tell her to be of good cheer, for I am here in a good cause. 

" We live in hope, though clouds appear, 

They linger but a day; 
The sun, to us, a gift so dear, 

Will scatter them away. 



LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 527 

Thus life is but an April shower, 

And troubles are but rain; 
And hope, tlie sun that in an hour. 

Will bring us joy again." 

With very much love for you all, 

Your nffectiouate brother, 

JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 

The regiment with which Lieut. Dempsey was comiectecl, took 
part in all the engagements under Generals McDowell, McClel 
LAN, BuRNSiDE and Hooker. They Avere in the seven days' battle 
before Richmond, where hundreds fell at his side, and he escaped 
with only a bullet denting his left shoulder strap. 

The battle of South Mountain was one that shed great glory 
upon his regiment. With bayonet charge, they drove the enemy 
up and over the mountain, an ascent which it seemed almost im- 
possible to climb. Of three officers who reached the summit, 
Lieut. Dempsey was one. Through all these battles, he was 
ever the same brave soldier, faithful officer, and kind, sympathiz- 
ing friend. 

His letters refer to some of these battles, and describe, with 
considerable minuteness, others. He wrote to his mother and 
sister as follows: 

Near Berkley's Landing, Va., on James River, 
OFF City Point, July 5, 1862. 

My dear Sister — To-day I received three letters from your 
dear self, and was glad to learn that you had received the pack- 
age of money. 

I will now try and give you a short account of what we have 
been through the past week. 

On Frida}^ morning, the 27th ult., our brigade was called on 
to cross the Chickahominy, to reinforce Gen. Porter, who had 
been fighting the day previous. On the night of the 26th ult., 
the troops all around our neighborhood were in great glee, hav- 
ing heard that Porter had driven the enemy and scattered them 
in all directions. Cheer after cheer was heard, and the bands 



5 23 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSET. 

struck up the National airs. The merriment was kept up till 
after midnight, but the morning was saddened by the enemy 
shelling our camp. 

After crossing the Chickahominy, we found our services were 
not needed, and were ordered back to camp again. We had not 
been in camp but a short time, w^hen we heard a great tumult in 
front of our lines. We were ordered in line ao^ain. Our regi^ 
ment had no more than got in line, directly in front of our camp, 
when the enemy commenced throwing shell in and over our 
camp ground, killing one and wounding three others of Company 
I in our regiment. As the men stood in line. Company I's place 
was next to ours (Company F), on our right, and the range of 
cannon was directly over the two companies, the shell falling in 
front, over and around us. After a while, with great hesitation, 
we were ordered out of the range of the enemy's guns. Shortly 
after, the guns were siknced, and we were dismissed. 

We went in the camp once more, it being dinner time; we 
partook of our meal, and had just finished, when we were ordered 
out again, and again marched across the Chickahominy — over 
another bridge, lower down than where we crossed |n the mor- 
ning. We had a long, quick and tiresome march. Arrived at 
our destination about five p. m. We were ordered in battle 
shortly after, directly where the enemy was getting the advan- 
tao-e of our forces engaged. We were marched to the front, 
through a shower of shell and bullets, and held the enemy in 
check till nearly dark. Our brave men fell on all sides, as the 
enemy's forces far exceeded ours in numbers. We held our 
ground till, unfortunately, the regiments, both on our right and 
left, gave way. The enemy was turning our right flank before 
we received orders to fall back, or to march by the left flank. 
We had no sooner turned to the left, when we saw the enemy 
turning our left. We were completely surrounded, and were 
obliged to fall back under a cross fire of both the enemy, infantry 
and cannon — the balls and shells whizzing and bursting all 
around our brave fellows. 

The closest call I had, was a bullet just grazing my shoulder 
strap on my right shoulder. How wonderful that so many of us 



LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 529 

escaped the terrific fire. Soon after, we were again reinforced, 
and the enemy driven back to the old point, and held in check for 
the niirht. All our forces that were the other side of the river, 
recrossed during the night, and then destroyed the bridges. Our 
brigade went into camp that night, but was ordered out again the 
next morning at three o'clock. 

Our division partly covered the retreat, and was at one time 
very nearly cut oft'; but thank God, we have been spared through 
it all. We were the last forces in here, and started on our last 
march at midnight, after a great battle, with severe loss on both 
sides. 

This is not half that I might mention, but enough, as I have 
not the time to write more, neither do I care to write of it. It 
is sad enough to think of. * * * * 

Your afi*ectionate brother. JOHN. 

On the 10th of October, 1862, Mr. Dempsey, for his gallantry 
and bravery, was promoted to the First Lieutenancy in Company 
F, Eighteenth Regiment. His eminent qualities and unselfish 
devotion to the welftire and honor of his country, entitled him 
to even a higher rank; but while others less worthy were strug- 
gling for promotion, he was bending all liis energies to faithfully 
discharge the duties of his position, whether as a soldier, as 
orderly, as Second or as First Lieutenant. The cause in which 
he was eng'ao-ed absorbed his whole being;. He lived for the 
union of the United States and for the freedom of mankind, and 
to maintain these he was willing to die. 

All his letters breathe the same spirit of ardent patriotism; 
deep aflection for the friends at home; a high sense of personal 
honor and integrity, and profound gratitude to God for his great 
goodness. 

Lieutenant Dempsey's term of service having expired, he 
returned to his home, where as we may naturally suppose, he 
was cordially welcomed. Before he reached home, his sister 
asked him whether he intended entering the service again ? He 
replied: " I make no promises. A man cannot tell in these times 
what he will do. One thing is certain. If God spares my life 

34 



530 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 

and blesses all with health, I shall have a pleasant long furlough 
at home, when my time expires. So the furlough proved to be, 
though shadowed by clouds of fear in time of battle; for there 
were two dear brothers still in the field. 

To show the love of his men, after they were mustered out, 
three of them called at his home and presented him with a silver 
watch. Speaking of it, he said, "I could not refuse to take 
this; yet it seems wrong to take what was so hardly earned. 
Many of the men have repeatedly oflered me money, which, 
while appreciating their kindness, I have refused, and persuaded 
them to keep ; but these three got ahead of me." 

Though our hero entered again upon the duties of civil life, 
his thoughts seemed all turned to the great work of the nation; 
and it was only the tender home ties that held him back. But 
these at last he felt must be broken, as his place of greatest 
usefulness was in the field. He seemed to feel a higher Spirit 
working upon his own, and calling him to that post of duty. 

Accordingly he resolved to again buckle his armor; and he 
enlisted March 29, 1864, as a private in Company G, Forty-third 
Regiment New York State Volunteers. Again he received the 
blessing of his mother and sisters; but it was mingled with bitter 
tears, as they knew from experience the fearful dangers to which 
he would be exposed. Reaching the regiment, then at Brandy 
Station, Va., he was most warmly welcomed by his friend, Col. 
John Wilson and Capt. James D. Visschee, and was appointed 
Orderly in Company G. On the 3d of May, 1864, he was com- 
missioned First Lieutenant. 

As the army advanced, our brave Lieutenant passed safely 
through the first day of the battle of the Wilderness. But the 
second day, May 6th, 1864, he was wounded and taken prisoner. 

The following is his first letter from the enemy's country. It 
came through the lines by a flag of truce, for General Wads- 
worth's remains. 

Near Mine Run, Va., May 13, 1864. 

Dear Mother — I was wounded and taken prisoner on the night 
of the 6th inst. You must not be alarmed. Much love to all 
from your affectionate son, JOHN. 



LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 531 

On the 13th of September, 1864, Lieut. Dempsey was released 
from prison, and writes as follows: 

On Board Truce Boat New York, ) 

Off City Point, September 13, 1864. ^ 

My Dear Mother and Sisters — How do you all do ? I do so 
want to know. We are bound for Annapolis, Md. We shall 
probabl}^ stop at Fortress Monroe. I left the hospital at Lynch- 
burg, Va., on the 8th inst., — stopped in Provost guard-house till 
the next morning; then was sent to Richmond and arrived there 
at 9 p. >t, and was taken to Libby Prison, and remained there 
till 2 p. M. the next day, when the doctors came in, and sent 
thirteen of us (myself among the number) to the hospital. On 
the 10th and 11th, the doctors went through the hospital, pick- 
ing out men to be paroled, and as I was one of the fortunate 
ones; I am out of rebeldom and homeward bound. There are 
about three hundred sick and wounded on board. 

I have tried to learn of brother Henry's whereabouts, and, as 
near as I can find out, he is at Andersonville, Georgia. I have 
heard of brother James several times. There are a number of 
his regiment on this boat, having been captured during the sum- 
mer. He was safe up to the 18th of Jmie. His regiment has 
been engaged in a number of battles in the valley. His Captain 
was at the hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia. 

My wound is nearly healed, and, although, I am not feeling 
very strong now, I think after I have a few weeks of good 
"Yankee" living, I shall be as good as new, and none the worse 
for battle; and able to give the "rebs" another turn. I cannot 
express my delight on seeing our dear old flag once more. Will 
try and write again on arrival at Annapolis. 

Remember me to all kind friends. Hoping soon to hear that 
you are all alive and enjoying the blessing of health, I remain 
with much love. Your aft'ectionate son and brother, JOHN. 

General Hospital, Camp Parol, Section A, ") 
Ward 3, near Annapolis, \ 

Maryland, October 12, 1864. j 
My dear Sister — Yours of the 7th is received. I was pleased 
to leurn you had heard from brother James so lately. I have 



532 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 

not been able to write home for several days, but thought I must 
write a few words this morning, knowing my silence would cause 
some anxiousness. 

My wound has been grooving Avorse since the third day after 
my arrival at section D, and, the last five days. I have been 
unable to leave my l)unk. Yesterday the surgeon looked at my 
wound and had me removed to this hospital, which has every 
appearance of being a much better place for either the sick or 
wounded. I think, had I been sent here in the first place, my 
suflfering would not have been so great. The treatment at section 
D, did more harm than good. 

A month has passed since my parol, yet I have no furlough. 
Should I now receive one, I fear I shall be unable to travel, and 
think it doubtful whether the doctor would allow me to try it. 
Had I obtained a furlough two weeks ago, I could have endured 
the journey home quite comfortably. Now I am obliged to keep 
perfectly quiet, confined closely to my bed. How long this will 
last I cannot say. Perhaps I have not sufiered quite enough 
with it. I may have another such time as I had at Lynchburg. 

I do not know whether you understand the nature of wounds 
or not, but Avill tell you how mine has troubled me. While at 
Lynchburg it huffed. It now has gangrene and will probably 
hufi" again, which causes it to pain me most intensely. I had 
but little rest last night, and some nights can scarcely close my 
eyes. But, doubtless, the treatment here will enable me to get 
well much sooner than when in "rebeldom." 

I may not be able to write every day. Please write me often, 
and send papers. Direct as heading of this. Excuse pencil 
scribbling, as I am obliged to write while lying in bed. Remem- 
ber me to kind friends. With much love, JOHN. 

As John was so feeble, a beloved sister hastened to him to 
bestow upon him a sister's kind attention. During her absence 
from home the eldest brother, James L. was wounded, and 
another sister was called from home, but to return with the life- 
less form of that brother. 

The funeral took place, yet the absent sister and suflfering 



LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 533 

brother were not told of it, for fear of the result. Thus, while 
the eldest son was being carried to the grave, the second was in 
a liospital anxiously Avatched by a sister, and the third a prisoner 
in the hands of a cruel enemy; the agonized friends not know- 
ing whether he was living or dead. A kind Providence spares 
the second son, and the brother and sister reach their sorrowful 
home, Noveml)er 4, 1864. Again his wound grows worse, but 
kind surgical care rendered by Dr. J. H. Armsby, and the good- 
ness of God restores liim. But he has not the activity and vigor 
of former days. * * * 

After enjoying the pleasures of his fond home for a few short 
weeks, John left the cherished spot never to return. The duti- 
ful and affectionate son, the kind brother, the noble, heroic 
patriot went forth to give his little remaining strength, and his 
shattered body to his country. On the 25th of March, 1865, 
his regiment was ordered to aid in retakino- Forts Steadman and 
Fisher. While leading on his men, as the advance picket, he 
fell, mortally wounded. His left thigh bone was broken, yet 
his coolness did not forsake him. Feeling he was losing; blood 
rapidly, he tied a silk handkerchief above the wound, and rallied 
his men to hold the position, which they had won at such a fear- 
ful cost. Owing to the terrible exposure to the fire of the enemy, 
he was not taken to the hospital in the rear till evening; then he 
was most tenderly cared for by the Hospital Steward, David Nor- 
wood, a member of the Forty-third Regiment. After receiving 
surgical treatment he was sent to City Point Hospital ; there he 
suffered six weeks with the most uncomplaining fortitude. He 
was as brave in his sufferings as he had been as a soldier in 
health. 

While there, he wrote the following letter to his afflicted 
mother, which was the last of his series of interesting letters 
sent to his fond home : 

Sixth Corps Hospital, City Point, Va., 

April 4, 1865. 

My dear Mother — Here I am once more, flat on my back. I 
presume that you have heard from strangers all about my mis- 



534 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 

fortune, as I was obliged to get them to write for me. But as I 
feel much better to-day than I have since I was wounded, I 
thought it would be much more satisfactory for you to receive a 
line from my own hand. I was wounded on the 6th inst., and I 
assure you it is a severe one. But the surgeon says I shall get 
along, as I have good health, and good courage. There was 
only one other officer of the regiment wounded, the Second 
Lieutenant of my company. He occupies the next bed to mine. 
His wound is in his left arm. He received it on the 1st inst. 

My wound is a compound fracture of the thigh bone (left leg), 
but I am perfectly willing to put up with what suffering I am 
about to go through, if the war is only closed, as they tell us it 
is now. I presume you have heard all the good news, therefore 
I will not be troubled to write any more, as it is a terrible task 
for me to write lying on my back, and in such severe pain as I 
am. Remembrance to all inquiring friends, and abundance of 
love to one and all. May God bless us all. 

From your affectionate son, JOHN. 

As soon as permission was given, two of his sisters went to 
him, which was two weeks before his death. His sufferings 
were intense, yet so tender was he of his sisters' feelings that 
they were told only in low murmurs. When he was almost 
fainting from agony, he would ask his sisters to sing. " Sing 
something soft and plaintive," he would say. Endeavoring to 
suppress their deep emotion, they would sing such hymns as he 
loved. The following sweet hymn was one of his favorites: 

" Jesus, lover of my soul, 

Let me to thy bosom fly, 
While the billows near me roll, 

While the tempest still is high. 
Hide me; Oh, my Saviour hide 

Till the storm of life be past, 
Safe unto the haven guide; 

Oh, receive my soul at last." 

As the sisters paused, he would say: " Oh, that is so sweet." 
His wonderful fortitude astonished the medical attendants, while 



LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 535 

his patience and courage won the love of all who were near 
him. One remarked: "His patience is an example to us all." 

We rejoice to know that our hero received every attention 
from the surgeons and nurses in the hospital. Fond sisters, too, 
did all that their loving hearts and tender sympathies could sug- 
gest. But the wound was beyond the reach of surgical skill, 
though his strength of constitution, and power of endurance, 
encouraged the surgeons to make every possible exertion to 
save him. 

He was well aware of the nature of his wound from the first, 
yet was anxious that every means should be used for his restora- 
tion. He desired to live for his mother's and sisters' sake, 
though he was fully prepared to yield to the will of his Heavenly 
Father. He was too weak to talk much, and said but li'ttle of 
life or death. His prayers were whispered, and his thoughts 
were between his Maker and himself. He had no fears of death. 
He said to a friend: " I have always thought a man should so 
live that he may be ready to die." He was sensible almost to 
the last breath, returning the kisses of those so dear to him. As 
the last moment approached, the surgeons and friends in the 
hospital gathered near his dying bed. Prayer was offered, and 
as the shades of evening drew near, his noble spirit was freed 
from its sufferings. He died on the 6th of May, 1865. 

The sisters, with sorrowing hearts, returned to their homes 
with their sacred charge, the remains of their dear brother John. 
This was the second time that one of the sisters had returned 
with the cold form of a hero brother. 

The Albany Burgesses Corps claimed the privilege and the 
honor of conducting the funeral services, thus relieving the heart- 
stricken mother and sisters. Everything was done by them with 
the most tender and brotherly care. The committee of arrange- 
ments consisted of Capt. M. H. Donovan and Mr. H. C. Haskell, 
who proved themselves to be the true friends of the departed 
and his afflicted family. The remains sleep in the Albany Rural 
Cemetery by the side of those of the eldest brother, that only 
seven months before were borne to this city of the dead. 

Although we have devoted so much space to the Dempsey 



536 LIEUT. JOHN M, DEMPSEY. 

brothers, yet we cannot leave them without speaking of BLenry, 
who has survived the hardships and dangers of the war. 

HEiSfRY L. Dempsey, third and youngest son, entered the vol- 
unteer service August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fifth Regiment, Company F. His decision to enlist, almost 
crushed his mother, as he had never scarcely spoken of taking 
such a step. After he had taken it, he said: "I have thought 
of it much, and feel more at rest now that I have enlisted. Should 
I live through it, and we all return, I shall not be ashamed to 
meet my brothers." 

After various experiences, and the faithful discharge of his 
duty, he was promoted to the position of Corporal. He passed 
through several battles, in which his regiment was engaged, 
unharmed, except at Gettysburg, where a ball bruised his hip. 

On the 2d of December, 1863, he was taken prisoner, while on 
picket duty. About two hundred were taken at that time. The 
Lieutenant of his company w^rote thus, December 10, 1863, to 
Mrs. Anna Dempsey: 

"It becomes my painful duty to inform you that your son, 
Corp. H. L. Deivipsey, was taken prisoner on the night of the 2d 
instant, while on brigade picket. I regret it exceedingly. Corp. 
H. L. Dempsey was one of the best men in my company. In 
camp, he was always ready to perform all duties imposed upon 
him. In action he was brave, almost to rashness." 

Col. Crandall also wrote as follows: 

" The capture of Henry L. Dempsey I regret exceedingly, and 
should feel very much chagrined had it occurred by any fault of 
mine. The brigade picket was sent out to cover our retreat, and 
the officers of the day tailed to notify them when to come in." 

His sufferings, as a prisoner, were terrible, beyond all descrip- 
tion. Of forty of his regiment who were taken prisoners, only 
seven survived the barbarities inflicted upon them. He was four 
months at Andersonville, one of the southern hells, and no imagi- 
nation can picture the horrible sufferings that he there endured. 

At one time his left limb was drawn up, and the flesh was 
cracking and almost ready to fall off. With his penknife he cut 
away the diseased parts. 



LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 537 

Notwithstanding the agonies that he endured, he still clung to 
the hope that he would one day escape out of the hands of the 
fiends, into which he had fallen. While others yielded to des- 
pair, he kept moving, having noticed that those who remained 
still, and gave up, were sure to die. Day after day he hobbled 
about with his emaciated body, supported by a stick or a cane. 

For thirty-one days the rain fell upon him, and his clothes, as 
well as the Bible that his mother had given him, were perfectly 
saturated with water. This Bible he had read through in that 
awful stockade; it was his constant companion, and with the pho- 
tographs of his brothers and sisters, was his only comfort. 
These he would not part with, even if he was starving. 

During the whole time of his imprisonment, one year and three 
days, he never once heard from his home; nor did the anxious 
ones at home, for ten months, knoAv anything of his fate. 

What then was their joy to have the lost one again restored to 
the family circle. It was as a beam of light through the deep 
darkness that had so long enveloped them. 

As a prisoner at the south, he was dragged through the follow- 
ing places, in many of which there was simply a variation of the 
horrors that awaited him: 

He was captured at Mine Run, Virginia, December 2, 1863. 
He arrived at Belle Isle December 6th, and left March 15, 1864. 
He was thrust with the Andersonville prisoners March 2d, and 
left September 9th. He arrived at Charleston, S. C, September 
11th, and left October 8th. He reached Florence, S. C, October 
8th, and remained until November 28th. He was taken to 
Savannah, Georgia, November 29th, and left November 30th. 
Being released, he arrived at Annapolis, Md., December 5, 
1864. He left Annapolis December 15th, and reached home on 
a furlough December 16, 1864. His furlough expired in one 
month when he reported at the hospital in Annapolis. But before 
the order came for him to join his regiment, the final victory was 
won over the enemy, yet such is the severity of war, that, 
although he was at Annapolis when his brother John M. was 
buried, he could not be permitted to attend the funeral. It was 
intimated to him that nothing would be done if he took leave; 



538 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSET. 

but he said, "I had done nothing dishonorable through all ray 
time of service as a soldier, I cannot do it now." He submitted 
to the restriction, though it was painful to endure. He was 
mustered out of service June, 1865. 

May his life long be spared, and may the richest of Heaven's 
blessings rest upon him ! May the mother and sisters be also 
cared for by divine Providence, and may all the surviving mem- 
bers of this noble fsimily receive that to which they are entitled; 
the gratitude, the afi'ection, and the admiration of all loyal hearts 
throughout the American Eepublic. 



LIEUT. WILLIAM E. ORE. 539 



XLYIII. 

LIEUT. WILLIAM EMMET ORR. 

William Emmet Ore was the son of David Ore, Esq., and 
was born in the city of Albany, September 12, 1841. His ances- 
tors combined the best, and most vigorous qualities of the Scotch 
and Irish character ; and young Ore partook largely of these 
elements. In his early childhood he manifested an amiable and 
lovel}" disposition, great purity of heart and of life, and was re- 
markable for his obedience and affection as a son. At the age 
of sixteen years, during a season of special religious interest, he 
consecrated himself to the service of his blessed Saviour, and 
united with the Second Presbyterian Church, of this city, under 
the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Speague. He entered upon 
the christian life with high aims, and with just views of the 
nature and obligations of a public profession of his feith. 

He was educated at the excellent school, conducted by the 
Rev. Mr. Pieeson, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was afterwards 
a student at the Rochester University. His intellectual attain- 
ments, combined with his social and benevolent traits of charac. 
ter, rendered him a most agreeable companion ; and those who 
were with him at Fort Reno, and other places where he was 
stationed, speak of him with fondness and admiration. 

He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the One Hun- 
dred and Thirteenth N. Y. S. V. (Seventh N. Y. Artillery) on 
the 7th day of August, 1862, and assigned to Co. B. He served 
with his company until he was promoted to First Lieutenant in 
Co. E, in January, 1864. He was detailed as Acting Assistant 
Adjt. General on the staff of Col. Lewis O. Morris, commanding 
Second Brigade, Haskins' Division of the Twenty-second Army 
Corps. He retained his position after the brigade joined the 



540 LIEUT. WILLIAM E. ORR. 

Artillery Division of the Army of the Potomac. He participa- 
ted in the engagements at River Po, May 19, 1864; at Milford 
Station, May 21, 1864; and at North Anna River, May 23, 1864. 
In all these battles his gallantry and efficiency attracted universal 
attention. One who saw him on the field, Avhen shot and shell 
were flying thick around him, and his comrades were falling, 
said that his bravery could not be surpassed. In the thickest of 
the fight, his calm resolution, and fervid and lofty patriotism 
never forsook him. He looked not at danger, but at duty. He 
asked not for a position of ease and safety, but for one where he 
could best serve his country and honor his God. 

After spending a night in the rifle pits with Col. Morris, he 
retired with others in the morning to the woods to take break- 
fast, when he was shot by a rebel, who fired from a tree. After 
receiving the fatal wound, he was borne in a rough conveyance 
forty miles, to Port Royal. Thence he was transported to Wash- 
ington city. The last few days of Mr. Orr's life, were days of 
extreme prostration and suffering. He was attended by his 
devoted parents, who did all in their power for his relief. But 
on Thursday morning, June 2d, 1864, at half-past two o'clock, 
his feet and hands grew cold, his breathing was labored, and in 
a few moments he bid farewell to his dear friends, his delightful 
home, his bleeding country, and was attended by the angels of 
God, to the mansions prepared for him in the heavens, by the 
Saviour whom he loved. 

On the 6th day of June he was buried with military honors, 
in the Albany Rural Cemetery, a spot peculiarly sacred to us, it 
being the resting place of so many noble patriots. The funeral 
was attended by the Governor of the State and his staff", and the 
body was escorted to the tomb by Company A of the Tenth 
Regiment. 

The following is an extract from a letter written by R. S. 
Norton, Lieutenant and Acting R. Q. M., Seventh New York 
Heavy Artillery, near Petersburg, Va., June 30th, 1864: 

" I cannot close this letter, without referring to the personal 
character and moral worth of Lieutenant Orr, and the warm 
feeling of friendship I felt for him during our acquaintance, and 



LIEUT. WILLIAM E. ORR. 541 

particularly from the time we left the defenoeg to the morning 
he was wounded. During this time, our duties caused us to 
be too-ether the most of the time; he as A. A. A. G., and I as aid 
to Col. Morris. In the high opinion I had formed of his excel- 
lence of character and soldierly qualities, I found I was not mis- 
taken. 

" Perhaps it would interest you to h^ar the circumstances relat- 
ing to his receiving his wound, as given by one who was present 
at the time. On the ftital morning, after being in the rifle pits 
all night, we went across a field into a piece of woods to take 
breakfast — Col. Morris, Lieut. Orr and myself. Upon rising 
from the ground, Lieut Orr stepped aside a moment, and imme- 
diately returned saying he was wounded. The Colonel made a 
severe remark upon the careless firing of muskets by the men, 
supposing that it had been done by one of our own men. We 
all thought so then, but when the ball was extracted it proved to 
be a rebel bullet. He requested me to tie up his arm in a sling, 
and after doing so, we helped him on to his horse and took him 
to the hospital. We did not think it a serious wound at the 
time, and in answer to my question if it pained him much, he 
replied that it did not, but his arm felt numb. 

" The intelligence of his death was received in the regiment 
with great surprise and deep sorrow." 

The Albany Zouave Cadets passed a series of highly compli- 
mentary resolutions in relation to the character and services of 
our departed hero; and the family of the deceased received the 
warm sympathy of a large circle of relatives and friends. 



542 LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN. 



. XLIX. 

LIEUT. JAMES H. MOROAN. 

Among the many brave young men who stepped forward at 
the first call to defend our Government, was the subject of this 
sketch. He was a native of the city of Albany, and after having 
received his education in our first schools, he entered upon the 
study of the law. 

His talents and earnest application won for him the high com- 
mendation of his professors, and his scholarship and urbane man- 
ners made him a favorite and chosen friend among his fellows. 

Having completed the prescribed course, he graduated with 
honor, and immediately began the practice of the law in the office 
of the District Attorney, in the city of Albany. 

He remained thus for some length of time, until a more pro- 
mising position was ofiered to him in the western part of the 
State, which lie accepted. He was here, surrounded by the new 
duties and responsibilities of his profession, when the rebellion 
broke out. 

The history of that time shows a spirit of self-denial and sac- 
rifice miequaled. The exigency called for the noblest and best, 
and they were given. What a gift it was can only be known to 
those in whose hearts it has • left an aching record. 

Mr. Morgan entered the army as First Lieutenant of Company 
G, Eighteenth New York Volunteers, Col. William A. Jackson. 
The regiment engaged in active service immediately, and, at the 
disastrous retreat of Bull Run, suflJered considerably, as a 
greater portion of it was composed of young men, unused to 
hardship. 

The fatigues and exposures of that time made serious inroads 
upon the health of Lieut. Morgan. 



LIEUT. JAMES H. MOKGAN. 543 

At the termination of this campaign he suifered a severe at- 
tack of inflammatory rheumatism, and was obliged to resign. A 
promotion and furlough were offered to him, but as the state of 
his health would render him unlit for service for some length of 
time, he chose to resign. Two years later found him again in 
the field. His regiment (Seventh New York Artillery, Fourth 
Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, Gen. Hancock) was or- 
dered to the front, and there experienced some of the most 
trying service of the war. Out of seventeen hundred men, com- 
posing that regiment, who left Washington for the front, only a 
mere handful remained at the expiration of their term of enlist- 
ment. Toil, suflering and death had done their perfect work, 
and among those to whom this martyrdom was decreed was our 
young soldier. 

He was taken a prisoner of war at the battle of Ream's Station, 
25th August, 1864. Out of his company, but one Sergeant and 
six men were left. 

This disaster was not known to his family and friends for many 
weeks. After having exhausted every means in their power to 
ascertain his fate, the terrible fact was at last discovered. 

Death in the field; in an hospital; anywhere, would have been 
merciful compared with this. The treatment that he received is 
too horrible to relate. His mother and sisters can not speak of 
it without tears. He was removed from Libby prison to Salis- 
bury, N. C, a change for the worse, if such can be conceived. 
Here his martyrdom was completed by the incarnate fiends who 
had him in charge, and he died, a prisoner of war, on the 21st 
of November, 1864. 

More than ordinarily gentle and refined in his manners, he was 
yet possessed of great firmness and courage, and many acts of 
personal daring and bravery are known that reflect credit upon 
him as a soldier. 

With high toned morals, talents and cultivation of no common 
order, a career of honor and usefulness was open to him in civil 
life. His patriotism and sense of duty forbade him to pursue 
this when his country demanded his services in the field. 

As a son and brother, he endeared his home circle to him by 



544 LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN. 

his genial virtues and manly worth. The memory of his ever 
generous and affectionate qualities is fondly treasured in the hearts 
of those who lovod him best. 

His loss has brought a weariness of sorrow to them that will 
not pass away. Many such homes there are in the land, but 
" every heart knoweth its own bitterness." 



LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY. 545 



L 

LIEUT. MICHAEL HENRY BARCKLEY, 

OF KNOX. 

Lieut. Barckley, son of Henry Barckley and Magdelane 
Livingston, descendants of revolntionaiy times, was born in the 
town of Knox, Albany county, N. Y., November 15, 1840. In 
early life, he manifested an unusual fondness for books, and 
made great proficiency in his studies. His parents resolved to 
give him a thorough education, but were compelled at times to 
check his rapid progress to preserve his health. He received a 
religious education, and was a youth of excellent morals. His 
parents belonged to the Reformed Dutch Church, and he was a 
faithful member of the Sabbath school. He entered the junior 
class of Union College in 1861, and graduated with honors in 
July, 1862, in the 22d year of his age. 

He returned home with his feelings fired with love of country, 
which were, if possible, increased by those of his parents ; and 
feeling impelled by a sense of duty to answer his country's call 
and haste to the field of conflict, he at once enlisted as a recruiting 
ofiicer, and commenced his labors in his native town. He was 
so much beloved, that many, who were otherwise timid, became 
inspired by his example, and rallied around him. In three or 
four days he had a sufficient number of recruits to present with 
himself at the rendezvous in the city of Albany; so that in the 
organization of Company K, of the Thirteenth Regiment N. Y. 
v., he, as a reward for his patriotic services, was at once elected 
First Lieutenant. 

As soon as his position was determined, the patriotic people 
of Knox in a mass meeting of both sexes, resolved to do him all 
the honor in their power, and as an expression of their high ap- 
preciation of him and the noble cause for which he so cheerfully 

35 



546 LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY. 

gave himself, raised a sufficient sum to purchase a sword, sash, 
belt and pistol, (the best that a line officer was allowed to wear) 
which were presented to him at a large and enthusiastic meeting 
in the town of Knox just before his departure to the field. The 
equipage w^as presented by Rev. E. E. Taylor, and the sash 
adjusted by Miss E. Bogardus, in behalf of the ladies. The 
Eev. E. E. Taylor then made the presentation address to the 
unusually large audience, who were assembled in the open air. 

The following is a sjniopsis of the speech by Rev. Mr. Taylor: 

"Civil government was formerly connected with that of the 
church. It has since been changed; but nevertheless necessary, 
and its support is equally binding upon us. And if there are 
difterences in the moral characters of men, that diiference should 
be considered in the selection of the best men under God, "who 
setteth up nations and destroyeth," for this great work. And 
if government is committed to men, then it is their duty to 
maintain that government by the use of any necessary means to 
subjugate foreign foes or rebels. As evidence, it is recorded 
1 Chron. 5, 22: ' For there fell down many slain because the war 
was of God.^ 

"However horrible the character of w^ar may appear, it is one 
of God's commands that we, his servants, rally on the side of the 
right and put down unholy rebellion, for the 'Captain of our 
salvation ' hath said of him who ' taketh the sword (wrongfully) 
he shall perish by the sword.' It is further recorded, Jer. xlviii, 
10: 'Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, 
and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from (3lood.' 

"We present to you this equipage in the name of God and 
our country. You stand before us now in the military character. 
This has become a necessity. May God sustain you in your 
trials, give 3'ou a valiant heart, shield you from evil, and return 
you and your comrades to us again in peace, if it may be, or, if 
it must be that you fall, be yours an honored grave, and ours, 
with you, l)y and by to enjoy the bliss of heaven. We pledge 
to you our prayers and anxious sympathy. 

"You go forth as our representative; in it we feel honored. 
You are to make for us our history, and, joined with the patriot 



LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BAKCKLEY. 547 

urmy, are to crush, once uiid forever, rebels and rebellion, and 
put the despots of the world before a free people; to trample 
beneath your feet not only this rebellion but its cause, whereby 
the foundations of our repuljlic shall be laid deeper, made 
broader and built firmer, over which our national ensign shall 
wave while time lasts." 

To this Lieutenant Baeckley replied as follows: 

^^ Reverend Sir — I accept these testimonials of regard from the 
patriotic citizens of my native town, who have confided them in 
trust to me, and here promise to hold them sacred, to use them 
where duty calls, and never return them dishonored. And to the 
ladies, this beautiful sash I shall ever hold in remembrance of 
your attachments to the cause we all hold so dear." 

The regiment Avhich he joined, commanded by Colonel Moreis, 
left Albany August 14, 1862, and were assigned to the defences 
of Washington and stationed at Fort Eeno, afterwards called 
Fort Pennsylvania. Subsequently, the regiment, changed to the 
Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, was ordered to the front 
and engaged in several battles and skirmishes, and finally in the 
terrible conflicts at Coal Harbor. There this noble youth was 
mortally wounded. A shell struck him below his right knee 
and he fell with his face towards the enemy, on Saturday, the 
4th of June, 1864. 

After suffering upon the field, he was taken to the surgeon's 
quarters, where his limb was amputated above the knee. He 
did not long survive the operation, but died on the 6th of July, 
1864, at ten o'clock, p. m. He was attended by his devoted 
mother, who did all in her power to alleviate his sufferings. 

During his sickness he was calm, communicative and cheerful, 
and felt that in serving his country he had served his God. Just 
before his death, he said he could not die in a better cause. He 
was regarded as one of the bravest of the brave, and greatly 
beloved by all who were associated with him. His remains were 
borne away from the hospital by his friends and relatives and 
attended, with military honors, to his native hills. 

The funeral services of Lieutenant Baeckley were attended on 
Sabbath, the 10th of July, in the Reformed Dutch Church at 



548 LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY. 

Knox, his native village. The coffin was strewn with flowers, 
and the sword which had been presented to him upon his depart- 
ure for the seat of war, and which he had so valiantly wielded 
in his country's defence, was lying upon it. 

Citizens from every direction flocked to the house of mourn- 
ing until the church was filled to its utmost capacity, the vestibule 
crowded, and the grounds in front filled by a multitude from far 
and near, who were deeply interested, and seemed to appreciate 
and realize the loss that the country and the community had 
sustained. The scene was truly solemn and impressive. 

The Rev. Wm. P. Davis, of Guilderland, assisted the pastor, 
the Rev. E. Vedder, in the services. In view of this Providence 
being accepted by the community as a general aflliction, Mr. 
Vedder selected for his text, as an appropriate subject, the latter 
clause of the third verse of the tenth chapter of Leviticus: "And 
Aaron held his peace." 

After the solemn exercises, the coffin being covered with the 
flag of his country, the assembly followed his remains, in slow 
and solemn procession, to the new cemetery; and in a most beau- 
tiful spot, overlooking the place that gave him birth, selected 
and given for that purpose, was deposited the lifeless form of the 
once loved and noble youth. Lieutenant Barckley. 



LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS. 549 



LI. 

LIEUT. CHARLES SWAINE EVANS, 

OF RENSSELAERVILLE. 

Charles Swaine Evans, the son of Henry I. and Eunice M. 
Evans, was born in Rensselaerville November 10, 1^40. 

He early displayed a strong affection for his parents, and many 
amiable and noble qualities that endeared him to a large circle 
of friends. He became hopefully converted, and made a profes- 
sion of religion in the winter of 1862, in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in Rensselaerville. His life clearly indicated the sin- 
cerity of his profession, the depth of his love for his Saviour. 

Animated by a pure and lofty patriotism, he enlisted August 
2d, 1862, in Company K, Seventh Heavy Artillery Regiment, 
and when promoted, he was transferred to Company I. 

He was in the battles of Fredericksburg Road, Milford Station, 
North Anna River, Tollapotomy Creek and Coal Harbor. As a 
soldier, Lieut. Evans was brave, cheerful and always at his post. 
He shrank from no duty, and was never intimidated by danger. 
His companions speak of him in terms of the highest praise. 
While suffering from long marches, unsuitable food and exposure 
to storms and the cold, he never was heard to utter a word of 
complaint. His letters, written to his dear parents and sisters at 
home, breathe a spirit of the warmest affection and deepest inte- 
rest in their welfare, as well as devotion to his Saviour and to 
his country's cause. 

The following letters, addressed to the members of the church 
with which he was connected, show his religious feelings while 
he was in the army: 



550 lieut. charles s. evans. 

Fort Pennsylvania, Head Quarters 113th ) 

Regiment N. Y. S. V., Octoler 24, 1862. \ 

Brothers and Sisters of the M. E. Church at Rensselaerville: 

My heart is with yon, but I would that this Sabbath morning 
I might worship God with you in the old basement, and once 
more mingle my prayers and songs of praise with yours; and 
with you feel the influence of the Holy Spirit, strengthening us 
for the performance of our duty, and filling our whole soul with 
enjoyment. But God, who moves in a mysterious way, has 
ordered it otherwise, and in obedience to what I considered my 
sacred duty, I am to-day far from home and its comforts — far 
from privileges which I once so much enjoyed; yet I trust and 
firmly believe that I am not far from the Lord, and I will praise 
Him this morning. Nothing but my own acts can deprive me 
of the comforts of His religion, and the enjoyment of His presence. 

The excitement of leaving home, the novelty of the soldier's 
life, and the influence of the associations into which I was thrown, 
notwithstanding I endeavored to be fortified by grace, all tended 
to lessen my enjoyment, and to separate me from the God I love. 
But I am grateful that I have never lost sight of Him, and that I 
have tried to be faithful in praying to Him, and in attending to 
all the means of grace within ni}^ reach. For the past few weeks 
I have been endeavoring, by reflection and prayer, to increase 
my faith, my enjoyment and my hold upon eternal life; and I 
have reason to think that God has blessed me. I have more 
strength, more confidence, more peace; and in writing these few 
lines, I feel great joy to think that, though absent, I can give in 
my testimony to the power of religion. May the Lord bless us, 
may His spirit guide us, and may we all at last dwell in the 
bright world above. 

Conscious that I am trying to do my duty, and feeling that I 
am on the strongest side, because the Lord God is with me, I am 
perfectly contented. 

You can realize the danger of the body to which I am exposed; 
but no one, unless by experience, can tell the danger to the soul. 

Christians, pray for me, that I may be prepared for all that 
awaits me; that though I fall bv the bullet or by (li<3ease, I may 



LIEUT. CIIAELES S. EVANS. 551 

come ofl' conqueror. Pray that if it is the Lord's will, I may be 
preserved; but His will, not mine, be done. Meanwhile the 
Lord watch between us. Trusting in God, 

I am, yours truly, CHARLES SWAINE EVANS. 

Fort Reno, D. C, March 22, 1863. 

Brethren and Sisters — I deem it a great privilege, and may 
God bless me in the use of it, that though separated far from 
you, I am able to express my love for God's service, and my 
desire to be one of His most faithful servants, and to merit the 
promised reward. In looking over the past eight months, 1 can- 
not but see and feel ver^^ grateful for the many evidences I have 
of God's care. His mercy and His love have been manifested in 
the preservation of my life and health, in the midst of dangers, 
exposures and hardships; and the continued blessing of His Holy 
Spirit alone has kept me safe while in the midst of the tempta- 
tion and the evil with which I am surrounded. I derive g-reat 
enjoyment from the consciousness of God's approval, in the gift 
of my services to my country; and possessing, as I trust, His 
religion, I am better enabled to discharge my duties, undergo 
hardships and submit cheerfully to the deprivation of privileges 
and blessings. It seems to me now, that without this blessed 
religion of Christ's, the only thing which can satisfy and fill the 
human heart, my life would be blank indeed, and my situation 
almost unbearable. 

Though we have weekly meetings, and the preaching of the 
gospel, which I am faithful in attending, I miss very much your 
Thursday evening prayer meetings, and Saturday night class 
meetings, which were such helps to me at home. But the 
memory of those early days in God's service, and of the vows I 
paid Him in your presence, and of our prayers, tears and songs 
of praise, give me strength to overcome much of the evil there is 
in camp life. 

I am glad to hear that the spirit of the Lord has been at work 
in Rensselaerville, convicting, converting and saving souls that 
were dead in trespasses and in sins. I pray that God may keep 
you, and especially those who enlisted when I did, from the evil 



552 LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS. 

in this world, and bless you in all your efforts to do good, and 
may He at last crown you in Heaven. 

In return, give me your earnest prayers, that I too may be 
kept from sin, and may exert an influence for Christ, and never 
bring any reproach upon His name. Pray, if the Lord wills that 
I should live until this wicked rebellion is crushed, that I may 
Ije a useful member of society and a true Christian, constant in 
the discharge of duty. But if it is the Lord's will that I should 
lose my life, may I die a Christian soldier, gaining an entrance to 
Heaven, where no war nor battle sound is heard, and where we 
can all praise God through eternity. 

Your brother in Christ, C. SWAINE EVANS, 

Co. K, 1th N. Y. Vol. Artillery. 

The sentiments and principles expressed in these letters, Lieut. 
Evans labored to carry out in his daily life. Among the sol- 
diers, he was the consistent, faithful and earnest Christian, and 
the warm, sympathizing friend. His reliance upon God was 
constant and firm, and he never forgot that he was the professed 
disciple of Jesus Christ. His religion sustained him in the camp, 
on the battle field, and in the last trying hour. 

On the 3d day of June, 1864, at three o'clock in the morning, 
a terrible charge was made on the enemy's works at Coal Har- 
bor. Through that severe fight Lieut. Evans passed unharmed. 
But two days afterwards he was wounded by a sharpshooter, and 
after lingering a few hours in great agony, he expired. He was 
conscious to the last, and expressed his perfect trust in the 
blessed Saviour. 

He was buried the same day at Coal Harbor, where his remains 
still rest. Everything possible has been done to recover them, 
but the place where he was buried is now plowed over, and the 
headboard was found two miles from the spot. 

Among several letters received by the friends at home, is the 
ft)llowing from Mr. Blanchard: 

Gallupville, April 8, 1866. 

My acquaintance with Lieut. C. S. Evans was somewhat 
limited. His mind was well cultivated, and his Christian charac- 



LIEUT. CHAELES S. EVANS. 553 

ter without blemish. He was always reliable, and everywhere 
truthful, affectionate and kind. He was a model young man and 
Christian. He gave good evidence of his patriotism by leaving 
his friends and the work of preparation for a life of usefulness, 
as an ambassador for Christ, to endure the trials and exposures 
of the battle field. But he now rests from his labors, and has 
gone to his reward. Yours truly, 

H. BLANCHARD. 

The following letter, written before Mr. Evans was promoted 
to the Lieutenancy, shows the estimation in which he was held 
by a superior officer: 

Head Quarters, Draft Rendezvous, 

RiKER Island, February 17, 1864. 

To all ivhom it may concern: 

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Sergt. C. S. Evans, 
Battery K, Seventh N. Y. Artillery, as capable of holding a com- 
mission. He has been under my command some four or five 
months, and during that time I never found him away from his 
post. He was always ready and willing to do his duty. He is a 
good soldier and a perfect gentleman, and nothing could give me 
greater pleasure than to see him receive his commission, for I 
think he has honestly earned it. He could do our country, in 
this her hour of need, better service in such a position than the 
one he noAV holds. If it were necessary to say more for him, I 
would do so. CHARLES C. BAKER, 

Major Z^th Regiment N. Y. V. 

Of the fond brother a dear sister thus writes : 

"None knew him but to love; none named him but to praise. 
We miss him in the home circle, for he was so kind, so good, so 
noble. But he is to-day in a brighter and better world than this, 
and we are trying, by the grace of God, to exclaim: 'Even so, 
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' " 



554 LIEUT. CHAELES L. YEARSLEY 



Lll. 

LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY. 

Charles L. Yeaesley was the son of Henry and Sarah A. 
Yearsley, and was born in West Troy May 19, 1843. 

He received a Christian education, and his amiable qualities 
and affectionate disposition made him a great favorite in the 
home circle, and among all his friends. Early in life he became 
a member of the Sabbath school, and was very conscientious in 
observing the Sabbath, and attending upon the public worship of 
God. 

From the commencement of the war he was very desirous of 
entering the army and fighting for his country. He often urged 
his parents to let him go, but they were for some time unwilling 
to part with the object of their affections. His love for his 
mother was very strong, but he said to her one day, " the love 
of country and the love for one's mother are alike, and we ought 
to be willing to die for either." 

He enlisted August 13th, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred 
and Thirteenth Regiment, afterwards the Seventh Heavy Artil- 
lery, and left Albany for the defence of Washington on the 19th 
of August. There he remained until May 15, 1864. 

Towards the latter part of the year 1863 he was promoted to 
the position of Orderly Sergeant, and on the 15th of April, 
1864, was made Lieutenant, in consequence of his faithful servi- 
ces and superior soldierly qualities. 

In June he was ordered to charge the enemy's works in front 
of Petersburg, and having had the command of Company G from 
the third of that month, he led them forward. As the engage- 
ment opened he was badly wounded, and his friends urged him 
to go to the rear. But he pushed on, ai\jd was again wounded. 



LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY. 555- 

Still he nol)!}^ mid fearlessly pressed forward, and was struck by 
a bullet for the third time, and fell mortally wounded. He died 
in about ten minutes, with his face still towards the enemy. 

In the death of this noble patriot the country lost one of its 
truest friends; the company one of its noblest officers, and his 
parents one of the best of sons. 

He sleeps with a large number of Christian heroes in the 
Albany Rural Cemetery. His precious life was given to the 
noljlest of causes, and the priceless treasure that he helped to 
secure, he leaves as his legacy to coming generations. 

The following letters were Avritten to his father after Charles 
fell: 

Opposite Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. 
Henry Yearsley, Esq: 

Dear Sir — It is with feelings of the deepest regret I write to 
inform you of the death of your son, Charles L., Lieutenant in 
Batter}^ G, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery. He was killed 
while charging the enemy's works. In your sad bereavement I 
would offer you my heartfelt sympathies. It could be well said 
of him, that none knew him but to love him. Pleasing in per- 
sonal appearance and manners, he won friends by his gentleness 
and kindness. He was as brave as a lion, and faithful in the dis- 
charge of his dut}^ whether in the camp or in the face of the 
foe. In him our country loses one of its noblest defenders; our 
regiment one of its most efficient officers; and myself one of my 
warmest personal friends. He died a soldier's death, with his 
face to the foe. Our regiment was ordered to charge the works 
of the enemy, and while nobly pressing his men forward, and 
within a few yards of the works, he fell, shot through the 
stomach, dying in about ten minutes. His body we have been 
unable to recover, as it is between our lines. I will see that he 
is decently buried and his grave marked. 

His watch is in my possession; I will, as he wished, send it to 
you by the first opportunity I have, and will try to send you his 
sword, although I am afraid it will be impossible. 

Please sir allow me to sympathize with you in this your great 



556 LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY. 

affliction, at the same time trusting that " He who doeth all things 
well" will comfort you. I am sir, truly yours, 

JOHN S. McEWAN, 
Ca])t. Seventh N. Y. H. Artillery, Com. Battery G. 

Quartermaster's Office, 7th N. Y. A.,] 
4th Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Corps. 
In the Field near Petersburg, June 25, 1864. 

Mr. Henry Yearsley, West Troy, JST. Y: 

Dear Sir — Your letter, dated 22d inst. I have just received, 
and will hasten to reply. I wrote a letter to Mr. Charles Lack 
some days ago, in which I referred to your son Charles, and I 
presume that by this time you have learned either by this letter 
or some other, of the fate of your noble boy. It therefore only 
remains for me to comply with your request, contained in the 
last part of your letter, and detail some of the circumstances con- 
nected with his last moments. Perhaps I may be permitted 
however, to first say a few words in relation to my previous 
intercourse with him. Our intimacy commenced soon after our 
regiment left Albany, in August 1862. There were three of us 
who occupied the same tent; the third was Lieut. McClure. We 
enjoyed each other's society very much during the almost twelve 
months we were together. But I felt from the first, a parti- 
cular feeling of congeniality towards Charlie, which I never 
lost; I discovered at once in him a spirit so noble and generous, 
and such a determination to do right, that I at once respected 
and loved him. Our duties afterwards separated us, but our 
friendship continued to grow stronger uj) to the time of his death. 

During; the first two weeks service of our regiment in this 
campaign, I was in all the engagements in which it participated, 
and my position on the staff of Col. Morris as aid, during that 
time, afforded me a good opportunity to judge of the merits 
and fighting qualities of our officers. And I can say, that in the 
very high opinion I had formed of Lieutenant Yearsley's 
soldierly qualities, I was not mistaken. He was as brave and 
true a soldier as ever lived. And since the second of this month 
I have been acting Kogimental (Quartermaster, and my duties, as 



LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY. 557 

such, requirctl mc to be with the supply train a good share of 
the time. I was not in the engagement of the sixteenth, and 
must therefore state the particuhirs concerning your son as I 
heard them from those who were last with him. He had been 
the only officer in his company for duty since the regiment was 
at Coal Harbor, and he went into the charge before Petersburg 
in command of the company. I am told he was wounded three 
times before he gave up. While cheering on his men he was 
struck by a bullet, and fell to the ground. But immediately 
rising he assured his men that lie was not hurt much, and urged 
them to press forAvard. He was hit the second time, and the 
third shot struck him in the stomach, and proved to be a mortal 
wound. The In-igade advanced to the enemy's rear works, and 
found they were in a place where they could not get out, and a 
surrender was unavailal^le. 

A few, however, made their escape, among them Captain 
Maguire, and a few of his men, and it is from them that I learned 
the following facts : The enemy had apparently discovered that 
the escape of our regiment was impossible; and they put their 
heads over their breast works and called on the " Yankees " to 
throw down their arms and come in, assuring them that they 
would not be hurt. Captain Maguire replied, that they would 
not get him while he was able to run, and he immediately started 
to make his escape followed by four of his men, and a shower 
of rebel bullets. In escaping over the field, across which the 
charge had been made, a few minutes before, two men passed 
Lieutenant Yearsley as he lay on the field; he called after them 
saying, " don't leave me." They took him up and carried him 
until they saw that his spirit had fled, when they laid him down 
and hastened to our lines. 

The following day, First Sergeant Shaw, with a detail of men 
from our regiment, went out under a flag of truce and buried 
the body of Lieutenant Yearsley. The Sergeant assured me 
yesterday, that he could find the grave at any time. It is now 
within our lines, but I think it would be impossible for you to 
get permission to take it up before the first of November. 

A few minutes before going into the charge the Lieutenant 



558 LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEAKSLEY. 

handed his watch to one of his company, and it has since been 
handed over to me. I will send it to you the first opportunity 
I can get. 

A feelino- of sadness comes over me while recountino- the cir- 
cumstances of his death, and how much greater must be the sad- 
ness of a fond father and loving mother; a mother whom I know 
he loved, and whose pious counsels contained in her letters to 
him, I know he heeded and treasured up in his heart. When first 
learning of his death, it seemed to me that his young life had 
been ^aken too soon — that his career of usefulness had hardly 
commenced. But God knew best. I believe he has taken him 
to Himself, and though it was not permitted his friends to be 
with him in his parting moments, or to witness his cheerful 
deportment and christian conduct and fortitude amid the hard- 
ships of this dreadful campaign, yet I certainly think that they 
should not be " like those who are without hope." 

With the earnest wish, that you may receive strength from on 
high, to bear up under this great -affliction, I close by subscrib- 
ing myself, with much respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

R. S. NORTON, 
LL and A, E. Q. M. 1th N. Y. Art. 



LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY. 559 



LIII. 

LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY. 

John T. B. Goewey was born January 17th, 1842. He was 
the youngest of nine children. His fother, Jacob Goewey, was 
from one of the old Dutch families of Albany, and his mother, 
Maria Baker, was a descendant of the Puritans of Massachusetts. 

He was baptized, in childhood, by the Rev. Dr. Wyckoff, in 
the Middle Dutch Church, his parents being members of that 
church. 

His health was poor until he was ten years of age. He was 
naturally of a nervous temperament and quick perceptions. As 
his father's means were limited, he simply received an ordinary 
education. 

When quite young he had a great desire to go to West Point, 
but as circumstances would not admit of it, he reluctantly gave 
up the idea. • 

He went to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1857, with his parents, and 
entered a book store as clerk. He also joined the Bible Class 
in the Second Presbyterian Church, the Eev. Mr. Ellis, pastor. 
When in that city he joined a military company, called the 
Cleveland Light Guards. He, with his parents, returned to 
Albany in 1859. When the war broke out, in 1861, he enlisted 
in the Twenty-fifth Regiment, but not being of age, his father 
would not consent to his ffoino;. 

In the riot of July 12th, 1863, he was one of the thirty mem- 
bers of the Twenty-fifth Regiment that left Albany, and were 
gone five days on guard at Yonkers. He afterwards enlisted in 
the Tenth Regiment, but could not get his father's consent to let 
him go. He often said: " Father, they want another man. Do 
you know who it is? That one is myself." After waiting 



560 LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY. 

patiently for a year, he persuaded his father jfinally to give his 
consent, and, with several young members of Hook and Ladder 
Company No. 1, of which he was a member, he enlisted August 
30th, 1864, in the Twenty-third Independent Battery, N. Y. Vols., 
stationed at Newbern, N. C. 

He left Albany, September 9th, and arrived at Newbern one 
week before the yellow fever broke out. The battery having 
more men than was requisite, they were transferred to the Eighth 
New York Heavy Artillery, and left Newbern, June 19th, for 
Hotchkiss' Run, Petersburg. 

He received a commission, dated December 27th, 1865, as First 
Lieutenant of Company I, in the One Hundred and Seventieth 
Regiment New York Volunteers, Second Division, Second Army 
Corps-. He was in all the battles from the time of leaving Peters- 
burg, until the surrender of Gen. Lee. His health was good 
while at Berksville, Va., and at Richmond. But often needing 
proper food and rest, his constitution was severely taxed. Pass- 
ing through Richmond, he was much oppressed with the heat, 
and at night a heavy rain storm came on, and he took a severe 
cold. A fever set in, and in that condition he was obliged to 
take command of his company, the Captain being dead. 

When he arrived at Fredericksburg, he was conveyed from 
thence in an ambulance, to afield hospital neai* Alexandria, three 
days after which he died. He expired May 18th, 1865, aged 
twenty-three years, four months and one day. His remains were 
brought home, and on the 25th of May, 1865, were borne to the 
Albany Rural Cemetery. 

We deeply mourn his loss, as he was an affectionate and duti- 
ful son, a kind brother, a true patriot, a brave soldier, and a 
warm and sincere friend. 

The following deserved tribute was paid to his memory: 

" At a special meeting of Protection Hook and Ladder Com- 
pany No. 1, held Friday evening, May 19th, 1865, the following 
preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: 

^^WJiereas, The great Creator, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, 
has removed from among us our late friend and companion, Lieut. 



LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY. 561 

John T. Goewey, of the One Hundred and Seventieth N. Y. 
Vols., while nobly engaged in his country's service: 

^^ Resolved, That while we deplore his loss as an active mem- 
ber, an agreeable companion and warm friend, we bow with sub- 
mission to the decree of an all-wise Providence, who does every 
thing for the best. 

^'Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved family our heartfelt 
S3^mpathy, and join them in mourning the departure of one, who, 
in all the social relations of life, proved himself an affectionate 
son and devoted brother. 

^'Resolved, That the house of this company be draped in 
mourning for thirty days, in memory of the deceased, and that a 
copy of these resolutions be presented to his family, and pub- 
lished in the city papers. 

"MATTHEW QUINN, President. 

" Robert H. Moobe^ Secretary ^ 



36 



562 LIEUT. JOHN B. BEAD. 



LIV. 
LIEUT. JOHN B. READ. 

John B. Eead, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Seventh N. Y. 
Heavy Artillery, was born October 8tli, 1830, at Stuyvesant, 
Columbia county, N. Y, His father's name is Joel Eead, and 
his mother's, Mary A. Burns. 

In his domestic relations he was everything that could be 
desired, and be will be ever remembered as a dutiful son, the 
kindest of brothers, an ali'ectionate husband and father, and a 
firm and faithful friend. 

He entered the United States service from motives of the 
purest patriotism. When disaster befell the Federal troops in 
the battles in front of liichmond, and the second Bull Run, and 
the call was made for more troops, he at once tendered his ser- 
vices, notwithstanding he had an impediment in his speech, which 
would have exempted him from all military duty. As a reward 
for his services in recruiting, he was commissioned Second Lieu- 
tenant in Co. A, One Hundred and Thirteenth N. Y. Infantry, 
August 4, 1862, and was presented, by the citizens of the Eighth 
ward, with a sword, sash and belt. On the 19th August, 1862, 
the regiment left Allniny for Washington, and upon reaching 
there, it was assigned to duty in the defences of that city. When 
the regiment was changed to heavy artillery, Lieut. Read was 
selected to recruit the additional men required. This duty he 
accomplished to the entire satisfaction of his superior officers. 
So highly were his services appreciated that he was promoted to 
First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the regiment. 

The regiment left Washington, May loth, 1864, to join the 
Army of the Potomac, where it arrived in time to participate iu 
the battles of Spottsylvania Court House, Milford Station, North 



LIEUT. JOHN B. READ. 563 

Anna and Coal Harbor. In all these battles Lieut. Read was 
engaged, and on every occasion he displayed all the qualities of 
an old and tried officer. 

In the last named battle, he was seriously wounded, and was 
left within the rebel lines. In all probability he perished upon 
the field; as nothing definite has ever been heard from him. 

Lieut. Read's qualities as a soldier were such that he not only 
won the respect and afl'ection of the men under his charge, but 
also, by his pleasing manners and numerous acts of kindness, 
endeared himself to his superior officers. Whether in the camp 
or on the battle field, he invariably manifested a deep interest in 
the welfare of those with whom he was broue;ht in contact. 
After being wounded, he was unwilling to accept of the services 
of his fellow soldiers to remove him from the field, knowing 
from the pressing emergencies of the time that every available 
man was required, in order to insure the success of the Union 
forces. 

The mystery which hangs over the fate of this noble soldier, 
has been a source of the deepest anxiety and sorrow to his rela- 
tives and friends. They have used every endeavor to ascertain 
whether he died on the field, or lingered in one of the horrible 
southern prisons. But they have been unable to learn anything 
respecting his last days and hours, and can only leave him in the 
hands of a merciful God, with the hope of meeting him again, 
where all is peace and joy, and where the good shall meet to 
part no more. 



564 LIEUT. HENRY McCONNELL. 



LV. 

LIEUT. HENRY McCONNELL. 

This officer was a native of Ireland, and at the time of t'ne 
breaking out of the late civil war, a resident of Albany, where 
he had lived many years. He had a family, and was a carpenter 
by trade. He followed that occupation till his entrance into the 
service of the United States, as Second Lieutenant of Company 
K, Sixty-third Regiment New York Volunteers, in September, 
1861. His regiment at once joined Gen. Thomas F. Meagher's 
Brigade. 

He passed with the regiment through the Peninsula campaign, 
in 1862, and fought in many of the battles against Richmond, 
escaping without a wound. 

At the battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September, 1862, 
he fell mortally wounded, and expired on the field. He was 
about thirty-five years of age. He was a man of good charac- 
ter, modest and unassuming, but brave. He left a wife and one 
child. 

These are the only facts, of interest to the reader, known, in 
reference to this gallant patriot, whose life was sacrificed on the 
altar of his adopted country. 

" I only know, I only care to know. 

You died for me — for me and country bled ; 
A thousand springs, and wild December snows 
Will weep for each of all our Northern dead." 



LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL. 565 



LVI. 

LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL. 

From A. S. Kibbee, Esq. 

Eev. R. W. Clark : 

Dear Sir — It gives me pleasure to send to you the following 
tribute to the memory of Lieutenant Matthew Bell, who was a 
member of our church (The First Congregationalist.) I have 
been intimately acquainted with him for the past twenty years. 
He was of Scotch parents; was born in Scotland, and came to this 
country alone when a small boy. Through the force of unyield- 
ing determination, coupled with honesty and integrity of pur- 
pose, he won his way into the confidence and esteem of many 
friends. He Avas converted and united with our church in 1857. 
Ever after he was a cordial co-worker with us in everything that 
partained to the advancement of the interests of Zion. He was 
with us from about the first of our organization, and in our Sab- 
bath school, and also in the mission school, he was most efficient. 
He was one that could be relied upon. A superintendent knows 
how to value such men. 

Through the early part of the war he felt it to be his duty to 
enter the army, and it was only the wants of his family and their 
entire dependence upon him, that prevented him from doing so. 
But when the dark trying days came, he could no longer remain 
at home and he volunteered (when bounties were comparatively 
unknown) as a private in the One Hundred and Thirteenth New 
York Regiment. He had received a military education and was 
very efficient while the regiment was in the course of formation, 
in drilling and preparing it for active service in the field. Before 
the regiment reached Washington he was promoted to the posi- 
tion of Second Lieutenant, and shortly after was made First Lieut. 



566 LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL. 

It was my good fortune to visit the regiment while stationed at 
Fort Reno, one of the defences of Washington, and while there 
I learned what I might have expected, that he was considered 
by his superior officers and also by the men of his company, as 
one of the best officers in the regiment. He maintained his 
integrity and was faithful in the discharge of every duty. 

Very shortly after his arrival at the fort, he contracted a cold 
from which he never recovered. 

He died as he had lived, a true patriot and a sincere christian. 
His remains lie in the Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Yours very truly, 

A. S. KIBBEE. 



LIEUT. LUTHER H. HILL. t 67 



LYII. 

LIEUT. LUTHER HECKLEY HILL. 

Luther Heckley Hill was one of thcat numerous band of 
youthful heroes, brought out of the peaceful pursuits of civil 
life into public action and notice by the late rebellion. He was 
the second son of William and Matilda Hill and was l)orn on 
the 26th of September, 1835. He was a young man of good 
moral character, upright and honorable in his dealings, and social 
and friendly in his intercourse with his fellow men. He was a 
bookbinder by trade, and an excellent and ingenious workman. 

Some months previous to the breaking out of the war, he 
commenced business for himself in West Troy, and Avas just 
beginning to get along comfortably. But as soon as the news of 
the attack on Fort Sumter reached him, he was fired with patriotic 
enthusiasm, and his loyal heart l)urned Avith an intense desire to 
put the traitors down. He immediately sold out, at a sacrifice, 
what he could of his stock and tools, and what he could not sell 
he either gave or stowed away, as though he thought he would 
have no more use for them. He then went zealously to work in 
raising a company, and, so untiring were his efforts, that in a few 
days he collected about forty men and was chosen their Captain, 
for which position he was well qualified, having been for a long 
time First Lieutenant of a military company. 

He intended to have joined the Second Regiment, but was too 
late, as it had completed its organization a few hours before he 
applied. Disappointed, but not disheartened, he disbanded his 
men, who parted from him with feelings of regret and went into 
other companies. 

Several persons offered their influence to obtain for him an 
office, but he refused, sajang, "I will enter the ranks and make 



568 LIEUT. LUTHER H. HILL. 

my way up on my own merits." He was, however, afterwards, 
persuaded to accept the office of Orderly Sergeant in Company 
A, Captain Oswald, Thirty-fourth Regiment New York State 
Volunteers. This was in May, 1861. Two days before his 
departure, he was married to Miss Anna Western, of Albany. 
As a soldier and officer he faithfully discharged every duty, and, 
being of a buoyant and happy disposition, he endeared himself 
to his comrades, and soon became a favorite with the officers and 
men of the whole regiment. While on picket duty near the 
Potomac, he had the misfortune to badly rupture himself, and 
was strongly urged by both surgeon and officers, to get his dis- 
charge and return home. This he refused to do. 

In a letter to his mother he said: "I am coming home on a 
short furlough to have my injuries attended to, and then I shall 
return, and I will leave my bones to bleach and whiten in the 
sunny South, before I will desert my country when she needs my 
services." 

A few days before his furlough expired, being informed that 
the army had moved, nothing could restrain his impatience, and 
he took an aifectionate leave of his wife and relatives and hastened 
back. On arrivins^ at Washino-ton, learnino: that the reo;iment 
had gone, and that no conveyance could be obtained, he went on 
foot, and after a walk of seventeen miles he met the regiment 
returning, and he retraced his steps. 

He was twice promoted; first as Sergeant Major and then as 
First Lieutenant of Company G, in wliich capacity he was acting 
at the time he was killed. He seems to have had the impression 
that he would not survive a battle, as he had expressed himself 
to that effect on one or two occasions. It proved to be but too 
true, for he was killed in the first engagement on the bloody 
field of Fair Oaks, 31st of May, 1862. A few moments before 
he was shot, turning to a friend, he said, " if anything happens 
to me, write immediately to my wife and mother;" and almost in 
the next instant, at the third volley from the enemy, he fell 
pierced by a bullet through the heart. He died like a brave 
man in defence of the glorious flag of our Union, confronting the 
traitors who had thrown off its protection and would have 



LIEUT. LUTHER H. HILL. 569 

trampled it into the dust, and yielding up his precious life a 
willing sacrifice upon the altar of his country's liberty. 

His body was taken to the rear, and was afterwards buried 
with that of Sergeant Middlebrook. A few rails were placed 
around their graves, and head boards to mark the spot. 

Three weeks after, his grave was opened by some of his former 
companions, and his remains placed in a rude coffin, in which 
condition thoy remained till after the close of the war; his rela- 
tives not beino- able to obtain them on account of the rebels 
having possession of that part of Virginia. Lieut. Hjll had three 
brothers, the eldest of whom died at the age of twenty; eleven 
months after his brother was killed. His two remaining brothers, 
William W. and Philip H., served in the N. Y. Seventh N. G. 
when stationed at Fort Federal Hill, Baltimore. It is a great 
satisfaction and comfort to the bereaved parents, especially to 
their father, who has been entirely blind for eighteen years, to 
know that they were all true and loyal to their country, in the 
recent terrible strug-o-le to maintain our national existence. 

His remains were fully identified and brought home by his 
brother William W. and buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery, 
October 7th, 1865. 

The following tribute is from his blind and afflicted father: 

There side by side in peace he sleeps 

With his young brother fair; 
And o'er their graves the green moss creeps, 

And flowers are blooming there. 

Though ne'er on earth we meet again 

To press each other's hand, 
I know that I shall meet with them 

When in the Spirit Land. 

And that the veil which wraps me here 

In solitude and night, 
Will then forever disappear 

In its celestial light. 



570 LIEUT. WILLIAM P. CLARK. 



LVJII. 

LIEUT. WILLIAM PAIGE CLARK. 

Lieut. Clark was born in the town of lYatervliet on the 27th 
day of January, 1835. On the 25th day of June, 1836, his father 
met with an accident while traveling on the Albany and Sche- 
nectady railroad, by which he lost his life. He left two children 
(boys) William being the eldest. Shortly after this affliction 
Mrs. Clark removed to the city of Albany, where she still 
resides. 

The early life of William was passed without anything of 
special interest. He received a good common school education 
and learned the trade of a tinsmith. For a number of years he 
worked for Mr. E. C. Blakeman, of Albany. 

In the year 1860 he was married to Miss Alida Hare, of 
Esperance, Schoharie county. When the war broke out in 
the spring of 1861, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M. 
w^as preparing to take the field, Mr. Clark was among the earliest 
to volunteer to accompany them. He served faithfully the three 
months, and on the return of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, find- 
ing the Ninety-first N. Y. V. about being organized for three 
years' service, he, in September, enlisted as Third Sergeant in 
Company A. of that Regiment. He remained with them in the 
Florida and Louisiana campaign until the battle of Irish Bend, 
April 14th, 1863, when he fell, shot through the head, while 
nobly doing his duty in a charge on the enemy. He lived about 
an hour after being struck, but was not conscious of an3'thing. 
At the time of his death he was acting; as Second Sergeant of his 
company. A commission as Second Lieutenant from March 9th 
had been awarded to him, but had not reached him when he fell 
upon the field. 



LIEUT. JOHN r. THILLIPS. 571 



LIL 

LIEUT. JOHN PETER PHILLIPS. 

JoHX Peter Phillips, was First Lieutenant in company F, 
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V. He was 
l3orn in the village of Fishkill, Dutchess county N. Y., on the 25th 
of July, 1829. His parents gave him a good education and trained 
him in the principles of honesty and virtue. At the early age 
of sixteen he left home for New York. Here he showed great 
energy in the prosecution of his business, and in resisting the 
temptations of the city. He removed from New York to Albany 
where his efforts in business were crowned with success. Here 
he married on the 18th of April, 1852. He was very fond of 
his home, and greatly enjoyed it till the tocsin of war sounded 
through the land. He was then a member of the Tenth Regi- 
ment, and had made himself master of the drill, and manual of 
arms. When the Twenty-fifth Regiment started for the seat of 
war, he very much wished to go with them, and nothing but the 
ties of family restrained him. At this time the people were not 
impressed with the magnitude of the struggle, and expected it 
would soon be over. At last his regiment was called into ser- 
vice, and he cheerfully obeyed the call. " I go," he said, " not 
with the expectation of any pecuniary reward, but because I 
l)elieve that it is my duty to give up everthing for my country." 
The regiment were ordered to Louisiana, and when they arrived 
there, were marched up the country. At Bonnet Carre Lieuten- 
ant Phillips was seized with the typhoid fever, from which he 
never recovered. When they reached Baton Rouge he was very 
weak, and soon after, the regiment's time being out, they were 
ordered home. Lieutenant Phillips arrived in Albanv in a state 



572 LIEUT. JOHN P. PHILLIPS. 

of great bodily prostration. ' He was unable to caress bis cbil- 
dren, wbom be deeply loved, or to make bimself understood by 
bis fond wife. On tbe fourtb day of bis return, and tbe 4tb 
day of September, 1863, be departed tbis life. His remains 
were interred in tbe Albany Rural Cemetery, tbere to rest till 
tbe brigbt morning of tbe resurrection day. 

So sinks the soldier to his rest 
With all his country's wishes blest 



LIEUT. SYLVESTER B. SHEPARD. 573 



LX. 

LIEUT. SYLVESTER BARRETT SHEPARD. 

The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Sylvester 
F. and Catharine B. Shepard. He was born in Albany, New 
York, July 25, 1841, and was killed at the siege of Port Hudson, 
June 14, 1863. Amiable in his disposition, active in his habits, 
and quick in perception, his manly deportment and generous 
feelings made him a fovorite with his companions. He very 
early offered his services to the government, and enlisted as a 
private in the Albany Burgesses Corps, which left Albany April 
30, 1861, and became connected with the Twenty-fifth Regiment, 
stationed at Arlington Heig-hts. 

He returned after three months' service, and immediately 
commenced recruiting a company for the Ninety-first Regiment, 
then organizing. Enlisting for three years, from December 6, 
1861, his energy and success in raising a company secured him 
the appointment of Second Lieutenant in company C. The 
regiment, numbering nearly nine hundred men, left Albany, for 
Governor's Island, December 25, 1861; which place it left for 
Key West, January 8, 1862, arriving there on the 20th. It 
remained at Key West until May 2d, when it was ordered to 
Pensacola. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Shepard returned north to 
recruit, and, after partial success in regaining his health, he 
returned in time to join the regiment before it was ordered to 
Baton Rouge, to join the expedition under General Banks. 

The wearisome and varied marches of the troops in this divi- 
sion, from the early spring of 1863 to the fall of Port Hudson, 
are matters of history. A letter from a member of the Ninety- 
first, dated July 27th, says: "The siege of Port Hudson was a 
weary work, and both parties fought with the greatest bravery. 
Our own regiment suffered severely, and the men behaved nobly. 
On the 14th of June we made an assault on the enemy's fortiti- 



574 LIEUT. SYLVESTER B. SHEPAED. 

cations, but were repulsed, and such a scene of carnage I never 
wish again to witness. Our regiment acted as grenadiers, 
approaching the breastworks with hand grenades, under a per- 
fect shower of bullets, which mowed down the brave fellows by 
scores. But few reached the trenches, and those only to be 
repulsed and taken prisoners. I laid for five hours within half 
pistol range of the enemy, continually exposed to the cross fire 
from the rifle pits, with my connadjes falling around me.'' 

In this engagement, Lieutenant Shepakd took a prominent and 
brave part. The attack, which was one of the most hazardous 
and disastrous of the war, was made early in the morning, and 
the Captain of his company fell at the beginning of the engage- 
ment. The command devolving upon young Shepaed, he was 
encouraging and leading the men forward when a ball pierced his 
left breast, and the noble hero fell a sacrifice to his country's cause. 
His remains were recovered and subsequently brought home. 

An Albany paper, speaking of the event said: "The loss of 
young Shepard is a terrible blow to his family and friends. 
Highly gifted, and enthusiastic in his profession, had he been 
spared he would have made his mark in the iirmy. He met his 
fate worthy of a brave boy. He died, with his face to the enemy, 
while leading his men up to the mouth of the enemy's cannon. 
His memory will be cherished b}^ his many young friends, who 
sadly deplore his premature death." 

A letter from Captain Wilson, of the Ninety-first, to a member 
of his family, says: "Your brother has earned for himself the 
reputation of being a gallant and brave ofiicer; and I have heard 
the men speak in glowing terms of his conduct in several hard 
fought battles, especially those of the 25th and 27th of May. 
You have the proud satisfaction of knowing that he died for his 
country, and that he faithfully did his duty as an officer and 
gentleman, and that he fell as a soldier should, with his face to 
the enemy, gallantly leading his men to the charge. He was a 
great favoi-ite with the Colonel, who sincerely mourns his loss, 
as well as all the other members of the regiment." 

Lieut. Shepard was promoted to the First Lieutenancy of his 
company, May 19, 18(32, and appointed Adjutant of the regiment. 



LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER. 575 



LXI. 

LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER. 

Patrick Maher was born about the year 1821, near Roscrea, 
in the county of Tipperary, Ireland. He came with his parents 
to the United States about the year 1824. The family settled 
in Albany, where his father and motlier died. He married early 
in life, and had two sons, both of whom are now living. His 
occupation was a saloon keeper, and he was highly respected by 
every one who knew him. Ho served for t^velve years in the 
Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M,, and was a prominent mem- 
ber of the Emmet Guards, being treasurer and Second Lieuten- 
ant of said company. 

He went to California, where he was not very successful, and 
after many years returned to Albany. 

At the commencement of the late war, he went with the 
Twenty-fifth (Colonel M. K, Bryan) to Virginia, as Sergeant in 
company B, Montgomery Guards. A few months after the 
expiration of his term of service, he enlisted in Captain Michael 
0'Sulliv.\n's company (F,) Sixty-third N. Y. V., Irish Brigade, 
and his son Daniel enlisted with him. He was joromoted to the 
position of Commissary Sergeant, and in the discharge of his 
duties gave universal satisfaction. On the battle field of Antie- 
tam he was promoted First Lieutenant, a just tribute to his 
integrity as well as to his military talents. 

He commanded company F, while Captain O' Sullivan was 
absent from wounds received at the battle of Antietam. He also 
commanded the company after his Captain's discharge through 
disal)ility from March to June, 1863, when he was mustered out 
with other ofiicers, in consequence of the consolidation of the 
Sixty-third into two companies. He returned home, and resumed 



576 LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER. 

his old occupation. He re-enlisted as private in the same regi- 
ment, and was present in the sanguinary battles of the Wilder- 
ness, Chancellors ville, &c., and in those at Petersburg, His 
courage and capacity for command being severely tested, he was 
recommended for promotion to Governor Fenton, and was at 
once placed in command of a company. 

In one of the engagements at Petersburg, June, 1864, a ball 
shattered his left thigh and amputation became necessary. He 
came home and died in Albany, and was buried by the Emmet 
Guards, the company in which he commenced his military career. 

He had the satisfaction to receive his commission as First 
Lieutenant a few days previous to his death, as a recognition of 
his services in the field, and of his devotion to the Union. 



LIEUT. ROBERT G. NOXOX. 577 



nil 

LIEUT. ROBERT G. NOXON, 

OF WATERYLIET. 

Robert G. Noxox, son of Peter B. and Helex Noxon, was 
born in the town of Bethlehem. 

Actuated by the true spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in Com- 
pany F, Thirtieth Regiment, October 8th, 1862. He remarked 
to his mother that she should be jDroud to have a son in the 
American army, to sustain the government and the Union. 

Lieut. NoxoN was in several battles, in which his bravery and 
devotion to his country were conspicuous. After the battle of 
Fredericksburg, he was transferred to the Seventy-sixth Regi- 
ment, Company F. 

In the terrible battle at Gettysburg, he was mortally wounded, 
and laid upon the field for fifty-four hours, in great suflbring. 
He was wounded in the thigh by a Minnie ball, that passed 
through the bone and fractured it. It was several days after 
he was wounded before he was taken to the hospital. He sur- 
vived his wound but forty days, when he was released by death 
from his extreme sufi*erings. His remains rest in the Albany 
Rural Cemetery. 



37 



578 LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTHWICK. 



LXllI. 

LIEUT. JAMES McALISTER SOUTHWICK. 

Lieut. Southwick, the sou of Henry C. and Mary South- 
wick, was born in the city of Albany, September 5th, 1841; and 
died in camp near Warwick Court House, Va,, on the 4th day 
of May, 18 G2. 

As a child he was noted for truthfulness, moral courage, kind- 
ness of heart and obedience to his parents. When he grew 
older, these qualities were strengthened and brightened by his 
manly and courageous advocacy of those principles which he 
deemed to be right and just. 

When the storm of war burst forth, he never hesitated or 
doubted as to the line of duty, but immediately began to prepare 
for the contest. He was in the employ of Gen. John F. Rath- 
bone, who bears testimony to his high integrity of character. 
Although his connection with him was of a business nature, the 
General pressed him into service as an assistant, at the bar- 
racks in this city, where he was employed during the fall of 
186L 

Becoming impatient to participate in active service in the 
field, he joined the Ninety-third Regiment New York State Vol- 
unteers, then organizing at the barracks, and was immediately 
elected Second Lieutenant of Company A. He left the city with 
the regiment, and the following letters give a partial account of 
his movements: 

Meridian Hill, March 23, 1862. 

My dear Parents — I doubt not that by this time you are quite 
vexed at me on account of my very great tardiness in not writing 
you before. But better late than never, you knoAv, so please 



LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTIIWICK. 579 

When we left New York it was almost dark, 3-011 will remem- 
ber, so that it brought us to Philadelphia at midnight exactly, 
where a most Avelconie and sumptuous repast awaited us. We 
had then to march about one mile through the city to the depot, 
Mdiere we took the cars, and laid in them all night, in the depot, 
on account of a train, which left before we got there, having broke 
down just out of the city. 

At last, about seven a. m., we got started, and, after many 
stops and vexatious delays, about one p. m. arrived at Perryville, 
Md., where the cars were taken on to the ferry boat and ferried 
bodily over to Havre de Grace. There the Fourth New York 
Regiment is stationed. We left there immediately, arriving in 
Baltimore about dusk, when we marched througli Pratt street, 
where you remember the Eighth Massachusetts boys met with 
trouble last spring. We here partook of the hospitalities of 
Baltimore, provided for us by the citizens, and I assure you I^ 
never felt so grateful for a meal in my life as I did for that. I 
tell you what it is, the boys of the Ninety-third New York will 
long and gratefully remember the gentlemen and ladies of Phil- 
adelphia and Baltimore. 

We rested here about tw^o hours, when we again jumped on 
the cars for Washington, which place we reached about five 
o'clock A. M. About noon we left the city, marching about two 
miles out on the Bladensburg road, where we pitched our tents, 
and got our first taste of camp life; and I assure j^ou that that 
night's sleep was most deliciously enjoyed by about eight hun- 
dred and fifty of the most tired and forlorn looking fellow^s that 
ever formed a regiment. We were most beautifully situated 
here, on a high hill overlooking the country around for miles; 
and wherever the eye could reach, nothing, hardly, but little 
white tents dotted the landscape. 

But already it has got to be an old story here to visit a camp, 
or to stand in the evening, looking at the camp fires of a neigh- 
boring regiment, and wake up in the morning to find the camp 
deserted, and not a sign or vestige left to remind a person, that 
the nio;ht before a bustling crowd of blue coats had been there. 



580 LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTIIWICK. 

Where had they gone? Well, that was just what nobody knew; 
and so it goes. 

Last Tuesday we received orders to leave Bladensburg for this 
place, expecting to leave the next morning for Alexandria, there 
to start for James river. But here we are yet. 

We are in Gen. P.vlmer's Brigade, Casey's Division, and have 
had marching orders since we have been here; but it is my 
honest opinion we will never get more than lifty miles from here. 
I am perfectly contented and satistied here, and enjoy myself 
very much. * * * 

My most afiectionate love to you all, beloved parents, brothers 
and sisters. Write me soon. 

Your allectionate son, JAMES. 



In Camp, seven jnules from Fortress Monroe, 

April 2, 1862. 

My dear Father — You will no doubt be rather surprised to 
learn of our sudden departure from Washington, which we left 
last Thursday p. m. 

We left Meridian Hill last Thursday about hve p. m., crossing 
the Long; brido-e in total darkness, and marching that niaht seven 
miles to Alexandria. We arrived there al)out eleven-thirty p. m., 
and camped on the sidewalks, in doorways, and under stoops, 
which was very uncomfortable, I assure you. I sat up all night 
in a doorway, with a blanket around me, but slept not at all. The 
next day, Saturday, we marched out about two miles from the 
city and camped, would you believe, in the midst of a heavy 
snow storm, which shortly, however, turned into rain. Our men 
had to lie right clown in it, on account of our tents not arriving. 
They were detained by a great crowd of wagons on the road, 
sixteen thousand men having crossed the bridge the same day we 
did. We laid there that night, and the next morning, Sunday, 
we again commenced our march, returning to Alexandria, where 
we embarked on the steamer " Vanderbilt" for Fortress Monroe. 
On our way down the river, we had a fine view of Mathias Point, 
and of a number of splendid fortifications, but lately evacuated 



LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTHWICK. 581 

by the rebels. We arrived at the Fortress at nine a. m. Tuesday, 
April 1st. 

We disembarked under the guns of the Fortress, and marched 
three miles to Hampton, which you remember was laid in ruins 
by the rebels, under Magkudek. The walls are still standing-, 
and also the stockade and earthworks, erected by the rebels. 
Our men that night slept in the ruins of a church and in the 
grave yard attached to it, on top of graves, &c., which I assure 
you was rather a new situation for your son Jim to be placed in. 
At any rate, no ghosts disturbed my slumbers, which were pretty 
sound, I assure you, after our tiresome journey. We arose with 
the dawn, and started on five miles further to this place, where 
we camped a few hours since. What the name of this place is, 
I could not say, but suffice it to say that Norfolk is just over the 
river, and possibly my next letter may be dated from there. 

I am just as fresh this moment as though I had not marched a 
foot, with all my goods in a knapsack on my back. I send you 
a peach bud, plucked in Hampton, which was just handed me by 
one of the men. The trees are all blossoming, birds singing, and 
the weather beautiful in the day, but chilly at night. My most 
affectionate love to mother, Julia, and my dear brothei's and 
sisters. Your afiectionate son, 

JAMES. 

Near Newport News, Va., i 

Friday, April 11, 1862. ] 

My dear Sister — 1 received your very truly welcome letter last 
evening, and though suifering from a very severe sore throat, 
brought on by the cold rains of the past few daj-s, I hasten thus 
early to answer it. You speak of Ben having commenced a let- 
ter, which I assure you I would be very happy to receive, not 
having heard from him since leaving home. 

The " Merrimac " is flying around here, making the folks at New- 
port News and vicinity feel anything but easy. She captured 
two of our transports yesterday, and it was expected that she 
would attempt to run past the fort. If she ever gets out, there 
will be a big time, for they will have to run her ashore or tip 



582 LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTIIWICK. 

her over before they can take her. A year ago to-day, Sumter 
was bombarded. 

Sunday. April 13, 1862. — I have done no duty in three days, 
on account of my throat, which has worried me considerably. 
I am, your afl'ectionate brother, JAMES. 

Lieut. SouTiiwiCK remained with his command until he was 
taken ill with the disease which terminated his life. Had he 
been less earnest in the discharge of his military duties, his life 
might have been prolonged; but after being sent to the hospital 
at Newport News, he learned that the regiment had marched for 
Yorktown. He rose from his cot, and rode on an army wagon to 
Warwick Court House, where the regiuient was then quartered, 
a distance of several miles, and immediately applied himself to 
his duties. But the fever proved too strong, and he was forced 
again to a sick bed, from which he never rose. On the day that 
our army marched into the rebel intrcnchments at Yorktown, his 
spirit took its flight to the eternal world. 

Thus he passed aAvay in the flush of youth, and with the 
brightest prospects before him; for he Avas richly endowed with 
those qualities of mind and character which, had he been spared, 
would have won for him honor and promotion. He was a soldier 
of undaunted courage, inflexible integrity, and was scrupulous 
and self-exacting in the discharge of every duty devolving upon 
him. He won the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and 
his family lament the loss of an obedient, truthful son, and a 
lovinof and afl'ectionate brother. 

The following letter respecting him, was received from Col. 
Crocker: 

Washington, D. C, May 22, 1866. 
Sir — It aflTords me much pleasure to be able to certify to the 
excellent character and great personal worth of Second Lieu- 
tenant James M. Southavick, late of the Ninety-third New York 
Volunteers. I was familiarly acquainted with him and highly 
esteemed him on account of his manly virtues, his excellent 
qualities as an officer, and his patriotic zeal in the cause of his 
country. 



LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTHWICK. 583 

He joined my regiment (fhe Ninety-third New York Volun- 
teers) in November, 1861. and was soon after commissioned 
Second Lieutenant of Company A, and continued to serve as 
such until his death, which occurred at the siege of Yorktown, 
Va., May 4th, 1862. 

In the great contest in which his country was engaged he 
manifested the strongest feeling in behalf of the Government, 
and emphatically denounced the eft'orts of rebels and traitors to 
destroy it. He never seemed to doubt but that the Government 
would prevail against its enemies, and that the war would result 
in more firmly establishing the institutions of the country upon 
the principles expressed in her Declaration of Independence, than 
ever before. He expressed a desire to serve his country in her 
hour of trial, and a willingness to risk his life in her just cause. 
Such I believe were the motives that led him to enlist. 

As an officer, he studied to know his duty, and always per- 
formed it nobly and well. He was gentlemanly and courteous 
in his deportment; a man of most excellent morals, and he seemed 
to be guided by the Golden Rule, " Do unto others as you would 
that they should do unto you." He was kind and attentive to 
the wants of soldiers in his charge, and they appreciated him as 
one of their best friends. He won the confidence and respect of 
all the officers of the regiment, and his loss was most heartily 
deplored by the entire command. 

His disease was typhoid fever. He first complained of ill 
health about the 20th of April, and by my directions was sent 
to the hospital. But the next day, learning that the regiment 
was ordered to move to the extreme front, he left the hospital to 
rejoin his command, stating that he felt better and desired to be 
with his regiment in the expected engagement; that he could 
not endure the idea of his men going into a fight and he not 
with them to share the duties and dangers of battle. Most of 
the baggage had been left in the rear, and the weather being 
rain}^ and bad, he was necessarily exposed. 

The severe hardships and exposures of the camp proved too 
much for him, and lirought on his disease with renewed force, 
and terminated his life, as before stated. 



584 LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTHAVICK. 

In liis death we all felt that the regiment had lost one of its 
best officers, and the conntiy one of its noblest and bravest 
defenders. Every officer and man in the regiment was a sincere 
mourner over the event, which had so suddenly and unexpectedly 
deprived them of their brave and true comrade in arms. 
Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

JOHN S. CROCKER, 
Late Colonel 93cZ N. Y. Vols., Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. V. 
To H. C. SouTHWiCK, Albany ^ N. Y. 

The following resolutions were adopted by the officers of the 
Ninety-third Regiment N. Y. S. V. , on the death of Lieut. James 
M. Southwick: 

Bivouac of the 93d Regiment, N Y. S. V. 
Near West Point, Va., Maij 10, 1862. 

At a meeting of the officers of the Ninety-third Regiment 
New York State Volunteers, held at tlie Bivouac, near West 
Point, Va., May 10th, 1862, Capt. George B. Moshier was ap- 
pointed chairman, and Lieut. Henry P. Smith secretary. On 
motion of Lieut. Henry C. Newton, a committee of three Avas 
appointed to draft resolutions expressive? of the feelings of the 
officers of the regiment, on the announcement of the death of 
Lieut. James M. Southwick, of Company A, Ninety-third New 
York Volunteers. 

The folloAving named officers were appointed as such com- 
mittee, viz: — Lieut. Henry C. Newton, Capt. N. J. Johnson, and 
Lieut. Jaivies W. Race. 

The following resolutions were adopted: 

Whey-eas, The officers of the Ninety-third Regiment New York 
Volunteers have heard with profound sorrow of the death of 
Lieut. James M. Southavick, (formerly of All)any) which occurred 
at our late camp near Warwick Court House, Va., on the 4th day 
of May, 1862: 

Resolved, That by the death of Lieut. James M. Southwick, 
the army has lost an accomplished and efficient officer, and his 
fellow officers a trusty and valuable friend, who had become 



LIEUT. JAIMES McA. SOUTHWICK. 585 

endeared to them by bis many noble and generous impulses — his 
manly and upright liearing and gentlemanly deportment. 

Resolved^ That we sincerely and deeply deplore his death, and 
that we will ever cherish a lively recollection of his many 
virtues, and that his memory Avill never be obliterated from our 
hearts. 

Re^solved, That we tender his fiimily and many friends our 
heartfelt sympathies. 

Resolved^ That these resolutions l)e published in the different 
newspapers at Albany, and a copy transmitted to his parents. 

Lieut. HENRY C. NEWTON, 
Capt. N. J. JOHNSON, 
Lieut. JAMES W. RACE. 

Committee. 



586 LIEUT. EDWARD B. HILL. 



LXIY. 

LIEUT. EDWARD BAYARD HILL. 

Ox the list of patriotic names of the brave and galhmt men 
who went forth to battle, and perchance to death for the salvation 
of their country in the hour of iier greatest peril, that of Edward 
Bayard Hill claims a place in the foremost rank. 

He descended from a parentage of strongly marked and strik- 
ing characteristics, and gave unequivocal evidence that he in- 
herited a large share of the intellectual power and energ}', which 
distinguished l)oth his father and his grandfather. The latter at 
the age of tifteen years, entered the Revolutionary army almost 
at the commencement of that great struggle, and continued in it 
to the end. It is prol)al)le that he never attended school a single 
day in his life. He was therefore trulj- a self-made man. At an 
early day after the close of the Revolutionary war, he purchased 
a farm in the town of Florida, in the count}^ of Montgomery, 
upon which he resided, and Avhich he cultivated with his own 
hands for a, period of over sixty years, and until his death, which 
occurred about nine years ago. 

At the time Mr. Hill the elder settled in Florida, the country 
was new and mechanics were few and far between. To a man 
of his intellectual resources and indomitable will, this occasioned 
little or no inconvenience. 

He wanted a house and a l)arn, and he built them. He wanted 
blacksmith work, and lie furnished it from his own hands. 
Indeed, whatever he needed for himself and family, he made. 
He did all this, although he had never served one day as an 
apprentice to any trade. Some years after the close of the 
revolutionary war, Mr. Hill united Avith the Methodist Episco- 
pal church, and became an etfcctive local preacher of that denom- 
ination. His discourses were marked with the fervor and earnest- 



LIEUT. EDWARD B. HILL. 587 

ness which might have been expected from a strong but uncul- 
tivated intellect. 

A gentleman of high standing in the county of Montgomery, 
who Avas perfectly competent to express an opinion upon such 
a subject, was accustomed to say that if xSicholas Hill, the elder, 
had been an educated man and had directed his attention to either 
of the learned })r()fessio!is, he would have made a very distin- 
guished man — a declaration in which all who knew him most 
heartily concur. 

Mr. Hill, the elder, was a man of most commanding and im- 
posing presence. He was tall, erect and well proportioned. His 
face was strongly marked with those intellectual qualities which 
arrest attention and command respect. He was one who could 
not walk the street without arresting the attention of the passer 
by, and being recognized, at once, as a man of mark. 

Nicholas Hill, Jr., the father of Lieutenant Hill, and one of 
the most distinguished members of the American bar, was too 
well known to require any particular description. He had the 
advantage of his father in the enjoyment of a common school 
education. But not satisfied with this he left the paternal roof 
and l)y his own energy secured academic advantages, Avhich his 
father's means were not sufficient to provide. 

Lieutenant Hill was l)orn in the county of Saratoga, Init came 
with his father to Albany at an early period of his life, where he 
resided some twenty years before he entered the service. 

He studied law with his father, and obtained a license to prac- 
tice. After his father's death, he became a partner in the firm 
of Cagger, Porter & Hill. His professional career Avas hardly 
opened, Avhen he was summoned to another field of action. 
AVhen the neAvs of the attack on Fort Sumter reached the north. 
Lieutenant Hill, in common Avith thousands of our young men 
Avhose names have since become historic, at once resolved to 
enter the service of his country. 

He applied to several influential friends of Albany to sign a 
recommendation for his appointment to some office in the regular 
army. He ol^tained such a recommendation and started for 
Washington, at that critical juncture Avhen the massacre of the 



588 LIEUT. EDWARD B. HILL. 

Massachusetts soldiers at Baltimore had interrupted all communi- 
cation l)ctween the northern States and the Capital. To get to 
Washington through Baltimore at that time, required all the 
courage, coolness, and strategical skill, which are usually need- 
ful in the movements of armies through a hostile territory. That 
coolness and that skill were exhiluted by the youthful private, 
in making his way to the quarters of the beleaguered Commander- 
in-chief. 

He went to Washinoton throu«;h Baltimore, and his arrival 
there at midnight, by a devious and perilous route, with impor- 
tant military intelligence from the north, was a joyful surprise 
to General Scott, the President and Cabinet. The value of the 
service was immediately recognized by his appointment as a 
Lieutenant in the regular army. 

Lieutenant Hill had command of a l^attery in the tirst Bull 
Run battle, in July, 1861, and young and inexperienced as he 
was, obtained the credit, which cannot be awarded to all, upon 
that occasion, of saving his Ijattery and bringing it back to the 
Union lines uncaptured and unsurrendered. 

In one of the battles on the Chickahomin}^ in July, 1862, 
Lieut. Hill was wounded in the arm by a jNIinnie ball, which 
entered his wrist and came out near the shoulder. The wound, 
thoiio^h severe, was not deemed mortak He was brouo;ht to the 
Brevoort House, in New York, where every attention was 
bestowed upon him ])y an affectionate mother and kind friends; 
but these proved unavailing, and he died on the 13th of June, 
1862, in the twenty-eighth year of his age. 

His manly bearing as an officer, his courteous treatment of his 
subordinates, his coolness and unquestioned bravery in the hour 
of conflict, had greatly endeared him to all his companions in 
arms, and to all with whom he had become acquainted. He pos- 
sessed all those qualities which were Avell calculated to inspire 
hopes of distinguished services and a brilliant professional career. 
Thus perished one among the thousands of those generous and 
patriotic young men who, like Lieut. Hill, rushed into the com- 
bat, and freely gave their Vivvs for the freedom and ind(»pendence 
of their country. 



ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER. 589 



LXV. 

ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER. 

Peter M. Stalker, son of James and Isabella Stalker, was 
born on the lltli of March, 1842, at Perthshire, Parish of St. 
jNIaides, Scotland. 

Wlien ten years of age he accompanied his parents to America. 
Ten weeks after their arrival, his father and older brother died 
of cholera. This occurred the 22d of August, 1854. Both were 
lain in the same grave in Ida Hill Cemetery, Troy, N. Y. 

Peter and his mother were now left alone in a strange land; 
l)ut nothing could induce them to return to their friends at home. 
This soil had become sacred, for it held their dead. 

At eleven years of age Peter went to work, that he might not 
be dependent upon his mother; but he still continued his eftbrts 
to acquire an education, and was never happier than when 
ensrao-ed in the evenino- with his books, at his mother's side. 

When he was about sixteen years old, they came to Albany, 
and shortly after he commenced fitting himself for a trade. He 
won the confidence of all by his industry, faithfulness and piety. 

At this time he became a member of the Tenth Regiment, 
Capt. DoDDS. When the war broke out, this regiment volun- 
teered, and he was among the first to fight for his adopted coun- 
try. Leaving home, he enjoyed perfect health, and escaped all 
injury until the 24th of March, 1863, when he was wounded at 
Ponchatoula, La. 

He was taken at first to the Marine Hospital with his Captain, 
who was also wounded by the same ball. After a short time the 
Captain, having somcAvhat recovered, returned to his regiment, 
and the Sergeant also returned to camp, preferring to be with 
the "bo3'S." And here we must pay a tribute to the lamented 



590 ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER. 

Lieut. Williamson. On the arrival of the Sergeant, the Lieu- 
tenant gave up his tent and bed to the wounded soldier, and did 
all that he could to contribute to his comfort. This is but one 
of his many acts of Christian kindness. None knew or appre- 
ciated him better than our young friend. 

His wound was not considered dangerous, and he would pro- 
bably have recovered from it, but was seized wdth diarrhoea, 
which, in conjunction with the wound, resulted fatally. He died 
in the hospital at Bonnet Carre on the l^tli of July, 18(i3. 

Although death came unexpectedly, he was not the less pre- 
pared to meet it. In his many letters he always expressed a 
willingness and readiness to die if necessary, placing his depend- 
ence upon Him who notices even the fall of a sparrow. 

After some months, Capt. Filkins kindly volunteered to go on 
and bring home the remains of the dead heroes. 

Serfft. Stalker was amono; the number who were brought to 
our city, and buried, with military honors, in the Albany Rural 
Cemetery. His funeral took place on the 10th January, 1864. 
He is now resting in the north part of the cemetery, where a 
beautiful stone has been erected by his mother. 

His memory will be cherished by his numerous friends, whose 
grief at his early death has this consolation, that he was pre- 
pared to die, and died cheerfully for his adopted country. 



SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES. 591 



LXVI. 

SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES. 

Irving P. Jaqttes, son of Edward and Emily Jaques, was 
boi-n at Nassan, N. Y., on the Otb of March, 1844. His charac- 
ter for energy and bravery began to develop in very early youth. 
At school he was the acknowledged leader in study or sport, 
and was the pride of his teacher. He was distinguished for his 
powers of oratory, and his knowledge of mathematics. 

In manners he was gentle and affectionate, to a feminine 
degree. Indeed, so remarkable were his personal attractions 
that every one seemed drawn tow\ards him. In the home circle 
he was the idol of his family, being remarkable for his strong 
affections and prompt obedience. 

While filling the situation of a clerk in a village store, the 
sound of the first gun fired in Fort Sumter reached his ears; and 
though scarce seventeen summers had passed over his head, he 
was inspired with an uncontrollable desire to assist in maintain- 
ing the rights of his country. Accordingly he enlisted, August, 
18(31, in the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, "Washington 
Greys." The regiment was, in two months, ordered to Annapo- 
lis, to take part in the expedition to Port Royal, under Gen. 
Sherman. Here the l)rave but frail l)oy, while in camp, was 
attacked with typhoid fever, Avhich so prostrated him that his 
superior ofiicer, Col. Moore, advised him to quit the service. 
The first intimation his parents received of his condition, was 
the following letter, received from the State Comptroller of 
Maryland. 

Annapolis, October 20, 1861. 
E. Jaques, Esq. : 

My dear Sir — Your son Irving is now lying sick of typhoid 

fever, and is expecting his discharge from service. His regi- 



592 SERGT. MAJOR lEVING P. JAQUES. 

nieiit was ordered to strike tents and embark on Friday last, and 
had no time to arrange for bis comfort and care. I have taken 
him to my home, and called my family physician to see him, 
who thinks his case decidedly improving. I think he is very 
anxious to get home, although he uses but few words. He has 
just said he would like to have you to come here immediately, 
and there is little doubt but that he would improve more rapidly 
in the atmosphere of home. Until you come, I will see that all 
necessary attention is given him. 

Yours very respectfully, W. L. W. SEABROOK. 

Ikving's father immediately responded to the call, and, in a few 
days, the sick boy was at home, and again received to hearts 
filled with gratitude to God for his safe return. They also felt 
inexpressible thankfulness towards the ministering angels of the 
stranger family, who had so kindly supplied to him the place of 
both father and mother. Mrs. Seabrook, as well as her hus- 
band, had strongly espoused the Union cause, and was an active 
worker in it, visiting the sick soldiers in camp, and maldng every 
one as comfortable as circumstances would allow. While thus 
eno-ao-ed, she heard of Irving in tlie following manner. She 
was told that a young man had been left behind by his regiment, 
on their departure for Port Royal, but where he was, no one 
could tell. She, however, determined, if possible, to find him, 
and made the tour of the town. After a long search, amid many 
discouragements, she found him at the house of a colored nurse, 
wdierc he had been kindly placed by the Captain of his com- 
pany. Immediately, and while even ignorant of his name, she 
procured a carriage, and carried him to her own home, and 
attended him as carefully as though he had been her own son. 
God liless the Christian patriot, Mrs. W. L. W. Seabrook. 

Irving's discharge from the army was soon procured, and, on 
the recovery of his health, he entered the store of an uncle, in 
Marion, Wayne county, in the capacity of bookkeeper. But he 
found it impossible, while the dismal clouds of war grew thicker 
and blacker, to remain contented at his occupation. Accordingly, 



SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQIIES. 593 

in July, 1862, he again enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh 
Regiment, raised in the counties of Wayne and Cayuga. 

Passing over his camp life, we find him at the inglorious sur- 
render of Harper'.s Feny, September 15, 1862. He was paroled 
and sent to camp Douglass, Chicago. While there, he was chief 
clerk in the otiicc of Brigadier General Tyler. He returned to 
Washington in the winter of 1862; encamped at Centreville, 
Va., and was immediately promoted to Sergeant Major, from the 
ranks, over all non-commissioned officers, by Colonel McDougall. 
The Colonel had, for a long time, been sensible of his fine mili- 
tary qualifications, and he fully appreciated his upright soldierly 
conduct. During the time that he was Sergeant Major, he won 
the admiration and esteem of both officers and men. 

But his active spirit chafed at the dullness of camp life, and 
when the order to march to Gettysburg came, he had a great 
desire to become an active participator in the approaching battle. 
He made all necessary arrangements, borrowed a rifle of a com- 
rade and received a reluctant permit from his Colonel to step 
into the ranks of the Second Corps, prepared for a deadly charge 
upon the rebel batteries, on the eve of July 2d. Yet it was 
evident that the poor boy was not hurrying on to his fate with- 
out some misgivings. Just before taking his place in the ranks, 
he turned to a comrade, saying: " Sterling, do you think we 
shall have a hard fight?" '-Yes," his friend replied, "Irving, 
I'm sure we will.'' He gazed a moment thoughtfully and mourn- 
fully into his friend's face, then silently tearing a leaf from his 
memorandum book, he wrote his parents' address and handed 
it to him, saying: " Sterling, if I fiill, tell my father and mother." 
He turned, stepped into his place, and, in a moment more, lay 
dead at his friend's side. " Mother," Avas the last word he ever 
spoke. "Mother," was the last word he ever wrote, and "good 
night, dear mother," were the closing Avords to his last letter 
written home, a short time before that fatal evening. Oh, 'tis a ' 
long, long good night Avhere no morning is to come. May God 
look with pity upon every mother in the land who has thus 
received from her soldier boy the long "good night." The 

38 



594 SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES. 

circumstances of the dear l)oy's death are given in the following 
letters, addressed to his atHicted mother: 

Head Quarters, 111th Regiment, N. Y. V. ? 

Camp near Elk Run, Va., August 16, 18(33. \ 

Dear Madam — I have just returned to the regiment and found 
your letter awaiting my arrival. I hasten to reply, regretting 
that I did not receive your letter sooner. It is my sad duty to 
inform you that your son w^as killed at Gettysburg, Thursday, 
July 2d. He was killed instantly in the beginning of the action, 
being shot through the head. I saw that he was buried by him- 
self, and his grave marked with his name and regiment. I 
visited his grave and w^'pt over the last resting place of the 
brave boy. He was a young man of whom I thought very highly. 
He died nol)ly doing his duty, and in a glorious cause. I sym- 
pathise with you in this your deep affliction. I mourn for him 
myself, as one of the bravest and most gifted young men wdio 
fell on that bloody battle field. 

My own wound has nearly healed. I was in Albany last week, 
on my way back. Had I known you resided there, I would 
have called upon you, and explained these things to you. You 
have my sincerest sympathies in this, your affliction. 
I am, very truly yours, 

C. D. McDOUGALL, Col lllth JY. Y. V. 

Warrenton Junction, Va., Juhj 29, 1863. 
Mrs. Jaques — I received a letter from you yesterday, dated 
July 17th, making inquiries in regard to the death of your son 
at the late battle of Gettysburg. Irving had insisted all along 
on the march from Centreville, and contraiy to the wishes of his 
superior officers, that if a battle occurred, he might be allowed 
to take a place in the ranks of the company of which he was a 
member. There is a strong probability that if he had remained 
in the rear of the regiment, he might have been alive to-day. 
But his ambition and courage prompted liim to go into the ranks 
and share the dangers of his companions, with a musket in his 
hands. 



SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES. 595 

It was about sundown on the 2nd of July, when part of our 
forces had been driven oack by the enemy, that our brigade was 
brought into the fight. Irving was killed in less than ten min- 
utes after they started, by a bullet through his head. He left 
no parting word for he was killed instantly. He was buried on 
the held on the spot where he fell. You have lost a noble son. 
It is hard to part with him, but he leaves sweet and glorious 
memories behind him, and his name is added to the long list of 
those who have died that a nation might live. I tender to you 
in behalf of the regiment, our tenderest sympathies in your 
l)ereavement. That you may receive that support and consola- 
tion, that flow from an implicit reliance upon the divine power, 
that orders all thing well, is the prayer of 

Your obedient servant, 
WILLIAM VOSBURGH, 8urg. llltJi JV. Y. V. 

Thus fell the noble boy at the age of nineteen years, a young 
martyr to liberty and the Union. He now sleeps his last sleep 
in the little graveyard at Nassau, almost in sight of the home 
where he first saw the light, and where death and sorrow had 
never before come. 



596 SERGT, CIIAELES. H. FREDENEICH. 



LXVII. 

SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH. 

Charles II. Fredenrich, the son of Philip and Sarah Fred- 
enrich, was born in Albany, October 23d, 1841, 

He was a youtli of a retiring and generous nature, and was 
greatly beloved by a large circle of friends. Leaving school at 
an early age, he assisted his father in his business, and displayed 
great energy and perseverance in discharging his duties. He 
was an aft'ectionate son and brother, and greatly contributed to 
the happiness of the home circle. 

Charles enlisted in Company B, Tentli or One Hundred and 
Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. On the eve of his de- 
parture with his regiment, his friends presented him with a 
sword and accoutrements, as evidences of their appreciation of 
his patriotism and valor. 

His virtues as a man and a soldier, and the time and circum- 
stances of his death, may be learned from the following letters: 

Died, at Bonnet Carre, La., March 10th, 1863, Sergeant Charles 
H. Fredenrich, of Company B, One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Resjiment N. Y. State Volunteers. 
To Philip Fredenrich, Esq. : 

Dear Sir — The painful duty of communicating to you the 
above sad intelligence devolves upon me. I can scarcely find 
words to express my feelings in transmitting to you this painful 
intelligence. Death has again entered our ranks, and robbed you 
of a beloved son, and us of a beloved comrade. 

God, in his infinite Avisdom, has seen fit to take him from us, 
in the bloom of his youth. In the freshness of his strength, he 
has been called upon to yield upon the altar of his country, all 



SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH. 597 

that a soldier has to give — his services aiitl his life. AVhile we 
l)Ow in hiim])le submission to the will of "Him Avho doeth all 
things well," we would drop the tear of regret upon the grave 
of our departed brother. To you, sir, and all of the members 
of your family, we, as a company, offer our heartfelt sympathy, 
and pray that God, in his iniinite mercy, may silstain you in this 
your greatest trial. 

Your son died of t^'phoid fever, after an illness of about three 
weeks. We did not think him dangerously ill, until a few days 
previous to his death. All that medical skill, combined with 
watchful care, could do, were done, but without avail. He 
retained his reason (with a few momentary exceptions) to the 
last, and wished to be remembered to his parents, a few moments 
])efore he expired. Henry Sayre, of our company, attended 
him during the last few days of his existence here, who will com- 
municate to you more particularly than I have. His remains' 
have been interred here, and his grave plainly marked. His 
personal effects I Avill forward to you the first opportunity. 

Again offering you our condolence, with wishes for your health 
and welfare, I am, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, CHAS. E. DAVIS, 

Caj)L Co. B, lllth JSr. Y. S. V. 

Bonnet Carre, April 10, 1833. 

Dear bereaved Friends — Having had the care of your son 
Charles, I thought it my duty as a friend to tell you of his 
illness and of his last wishes. 

A few days after his first attack, I was asked by Dr. Craig to 
go and take the full charge of him, and I consented. The same 
morning I went to the hospital and found Charles pretty ill, 
although perfectly rational. He seemed very much pleased to 
think I had come to take care of him, and I saw that he felt 
better than he had done. The doctor also noticed it. Having 
had the care of several that had been sick with the same disease, 
the doctor told me to do as I had done for all the rest. I went 
inunediately and got sponges to bathe his parched face and fore- 
head. Never before have I seen a fever take hold of a person as 



598 SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH. 

it did of him. It was impossible for him to sleep, or get any 
rest. His face could not be left over fifteen minutes at a time 
without bathing. After three days the fever took a turn, and as 
you have been ere this informed, for the worse. I immediately 
told Charles of his condition, and asked him if he had anything 
to send to his parents. lie received my words with perfect com- 
posure, and put his hand out to take hold of mine. I took his 
hand, and as long as I live, I shall never forget the looks he gave 
me. I give you his words: " Oh ! Henry, bid my father and 
mother, and brothers and sisters, good bye. Tell them I am 
ofoino; to leave this world. I am tired of this life, and am satis- 
fied to die." This was a1)out eleven o'clock. He lingered until 
about one o'clock, wdien his senses left him, and at ten minutes 
of two o'clock he expired. Several times I heard him call for 
his mother, saying: " Why don't she come." 

My feelings at his death can onl}^ be equaled hy your own. 
If it had been my brother, I could not have felt nuy worse. 'I 
read the Bible to him, and did all that was in my power to make 
him comfortable. 

I took his effects, as he gave them to me, when I first went to 
take care of him, and turned them over to Capt. Davis. I saw 
that he was properly laid out. After he was put in the coffin, I 
marked and cut his name on a lioard, and placed it at his last 
resting place, Avhich is in a field selected by the General for the 
purpose. It is about one-quarter of a mile from the camp. 

He was buried by the whole regiment, the Colonel dispensing 
with all duties that afternoon, to give the companies an oppor- 
tunity to be present. Every officer, from the Colonel down, was 
in the line, and every private out of the hospital also. He was 
beloved and respected by all who knew him. As far as practica- 
ble, while sick, he was visited by all the officers — the Colonel 
seldom letting a morning pass Avithout seeing him. Hoping that 
I may return and tell you more particulars, 
I remain, your obedient servant, 

HENRY SAYRE, Co. B, \llth JSF. Y. 8. V. 

To Philip Fredenrich and fiunily, 

:N'o 208 Jay street, Albany, JV. Y. 



SERGT. CHAULES H. FREDENRICH. 599 

Head Quarters 177th Regt. N. Y. V., Department ) 
OF the Gulf, Bonnet Carre Bend, MarcJt 18, 18(>3. ) 

Mr. Philip Fredenrich: 

Dear Sir — Ere you receive this, you will have been informed 
of the sickness and death of your beloved son. Charles stood 
the sea voyage and our march well, and weighed twenty-tive 
pounds more than he did when he left home; in fact, was the 
picture of lie;dth, and the admiration of the regiment until the 
21st of February, Avhen he was taken ill with symptoms of fever. 
The Sergeant at once sent him to the hospital, hoping l)y prompt 
treatment to avert the threatened malady, but each day more 
fully developed the progress of the fever; and although the sur- 
geons were watchful and untiring in their efforts to save his life, 
and the nurses, together with a special nurse detailed from Com- 
pany B, were unceasing in their labors of love and devotion to 
him, and to save a beloved comrade from sinking beneath the 
ravaires of the disease. Alas ! it was all of no effect. 

Death loves a .shining mark, and on the 10th inst., at four 
o'clock p, M., a beloved brother's spirit left its tenement of clay, 
when mourning and sorrow marked each countenance, as the sad 
announcement passed from street to street, and from tent to tent. 

The funeral services were held in the camp on the 11th inst., 
at three o'clock p. m., and were solemn and impressive; when 
the remains Avere borne to the silent grave (attended hj a large 
military cortege), where they were interred beside Sergt. Bridg- 
MAN, of Company B. IIow true it is, "that in life, we are in the 
midst of death." 

]\Iy dear ))rother, in the death of 3'our son there will be a loss 
to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and to society, an 
elevated and polished member. I had marked with glowing- 
pleasure his rapid, developing manhood, and the man}'" indica- 
tions of robust, phj'sical health. But, alas ! he has been stricken 
down in his vigor, and in the midst of those bright hopes which 
till up the measure of a young man's life. 

In his every action Avas manifested the generous impulses of a 
noble soul — a soul too delicately and finely strung to mingle 
with the oross and selfish of this wicked world. His was a tem- 



600 SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH. 

perament always unruffled, and a demeanor always manly, polite 
and noble, with a disposition to follow the moral and intellectual 
instincts of his generous nature. And although cut down in the 
midst of the enemy's country, at the opening of a career that gave 
great promise of brilliancy and honor, we all cannot but feel that 
our loss is his eternal gain. 

Yours very respectfully, 

lEA W. AINSWORTH, 
Colonel Gotmnanding lllUt Regiment JSf. Y. V. 

The following notice appeared in the "Albany Evening Jour- 
nal" March 25th, 1863: 

Mr. Editor — We see by your columns last evening that another 
young Albanian has offered up his life on the altar of his country. 

Charles H. Fredenrich died at Bonnet Carre, La., of typhoid 
fever. He was a young man of high moial character, a devoted 
son and brother, whose loss is irreparable. His military educa- 
tion was of a high order. He was a thorough soldier, and highly 
esteemed by his companions in arms. 

He declined prominent positions tendered to him by his 
numerous friends, in various companies raised here last summer, 
from his timidity of an officer's dut3\ But Avhen his own com- 
pany (B) was called upon to make up the Tenth Regiment, he 
was prompt to answer his country's call, and sunder the tenderest 
associations for her sake. 

Few young men have been taken from our midst that will be 
more deeply lamented than Charles H. Fredenrich. 

ONE WHO KNEW HIM WELL. 



SFRGT. WALTER H. ANGUS. 601 



LXVIII. 

SERGT. WALTER HENRY ANGUS. 

Walter Henry Angus, son of Robert and Bridget Angus, 
was born on the 10th of June, 1845. From his earliest child- 
hood he was distinguished for his amiable qualities, his prompt 
obedience to his parents, and his conscientious desire to do what 
he thought to be right. At school he made such rapid progress 
in his studies, and won so many testimonials from his teachers, 
for good conduct and accurate scholarship, that his parents 
thought of consecrating him to the Avork of the gospel ministry. 
But these plans were thwarted by the sickness and death of his 
father. 

At the commencement of the war, the spirit of patriotism was 
stirred in his young heart, and he often expressed to his mother 
his earnest wish to serve his country as a soldier. But, as he 
was an only son, and so young, she could not entertain the 
thought of parting with one so dear to her. At length, however, 
his appeals were so earnest that she reluctantly consented to 
yield to his desire, and committed her boy to the care of a cove- 
nant-keeping God. 

Walter enlisted, on the 21st of October, 1861, as a private, 
in the Forty-fourth New York Regiment, when but little over 
sixteen j^ears of age. A taste of the hardships of the camp and 
the battle field did not, in the least degree, cool his ardor or 
lessen his courage. His letters, written to his mother, through 
the whole period of his connection with the army, reveal a 
degree of patience under suffering; a persistence in laboring to 
accomplish his purposes, and a heroic daring in the hour of 
battle, that would have reflected honor upon many of maturer 
years. 



602 SERGT. WALTER H. ANGUS. 

The first experience that our youthful hero liatl of the fearful 
realities of war was in the battle near Hanover Court House, in 
Ma} , 18G2. In writing to liis mother, after the battle, under 
date of May 28th, he says: "By the time this letter reaches* 
you, you will, doubtless, have heard of our fight. I have time 
to give you only a few particular.^. Yesterday, the 27th inst., it 
rained all day, as it had the night before, and in the afternoon 
we received orders to leave our camps with one day's rations, and 
without our knapsacks. We started in the pouring rain, with the 
nuid nearly up to our knees. We marched aljout twelve miles, 
when our regiment was ordered to support Allen's Batter}'. 
We halted in the woods and had been there aljout fifteen minutes 
when the order came to Colonel Stkyker, to advance with those 
under his conunand. At the same time, we started the battery 
and went about two miles, where we halted and took our 
position. 

We engaged with the enemy, and soon we saw a regiment of 
them retreating as fast as they could. For the first time in my 
life, I then saw the boasted stars and bars in their hands. Seeing 
us, they turned and fired, and two boys in our company dropped 
at the first fire. We retreated to the road, taking the whole of 
the enemy's fire for one hour. The fire was .so heavy that the 
battery and the Twenty-fifth New York Ecgiment had to retreat. 
Our Colonel was cool and brave, and, at one time, saved the 
lives of the whole regiment. Our Lieutenant Colonel was the 
bravest man I ever saw. He had his horse shot from under him 
and his sword shot from his side, and still he had two men load- 
ing guns for him, which he fired. One gun was fired so often 
that the powder exploded from the heat, and scorched his eye 
badly. 

Company F, from old Albau}-, was cut to pieces; out of the 
sixty-seven men that came upon the field, only thirty-one 
escaped without injury. AH my best friends are either killed 
or wounded; my old friend James Young is dead. He was 
wounded twice, once in the neck and again in his leg. He died 
cla.sping oni- flag staff m his arms. All our boys acted ])ravely. 
After the first 1 Avas all right, and I trust that some of my bul 



SERGT, WALTER H. ANGUS. 603 

lets did some good. Our Major and our Adjutant were both 
wounded. Had not reinforcements come up just when they did, 
we should have been terribly cut up. But suffice it to say, we 
whipped them, and have taken a great many prisoners. Our 
cavalry are bringing them in every minute. I have passed 
through my first fight, thank the Lord, and I hope that I shall 
pass safely through many more. Good bye my dear, dear mother. 

From your afiectionate son, 

WALTER H. ANGUS. 

The wish expressed in this letter that he might pass safely 
through many more battles, was most remarkably realized. For 
at Gettysburg, in the attacks upon Fredericksburg, at Cold 
Spring, and in man}'' other battles, he was always in the thickest 
of the fight. Men fell at his side, on the right hand, and on the 
left; shells exploded above and around him; balls flew near 
him repeatedly, and still in his letters, he constantly thanks the 
Lord for having so wonderfully preserved him. He never was 
wounded, nor received any personal injury; nor had he been 
sick a day, up to the moment, when a single fatal shot hurried 
him into eternity. 

In giving an account of his first engagement before Fredericks- 
burg, h(! speaks of the fearful havoc among our men as a whole- 
sale l)utcliery. He says, " the rebels were on a large hill with 
])atteries so placed, as to have an enfilade fire upon our men 
across a level plain, just outside of the city. For our brigade to 
get into position, we had to cross this plain, and it is a miracle to 
me how so many of us escaped alive. One regiment lost between 
forty and fifty, killed or wounded. I thought I had been in hot 
places before, but that was the hottest one of all. Through the 
Lord's mercy, however, I came out safe and sound." 

The uniform Ijravery and unexceptionable deportment of young 
Angus, won for him the respect of his officers and the warm 
affection of his comrades in arms. His friends too, at home, took 
a deep interest in his welfare; and through their influence, and 
especially through the kind efforts of Erastus Corning, Esq., 



604 SEEGT. WALTER H. ANGUS. 

and his lady, he was appointed Corporal and Sergeant at the 
same time. 

On the 9th of October, 1863, he was appointed, by Governor 
Horatio Seymour, Second Lieutenant in the Forty-fourth Regi- 
ment of Infantry, New York State Volunteers. The regiment, 
however, Avas so reduced by the Avar that Walter was not called 
to discharge the duties of this office, but continued to act as Ser- 
geant. 

In May, 1864, he was sent out on a skirmish, and Avas taken a 
prisoner Avith tAventy others. As they Avere approaching a rail- 
road, they met General Sherman's forces, who were on a raid, 
and Avere released by them. As they could not return to their 
camp, they Avere o1)liged, in order to keep out of the hands of 
the enemy, to folloAv General Sherman on foot. They Avalked, 
in a Aveek, one hundred and fifty miles; but, amid all their hard- 
ships and suli'erings, no complaints escaped their lips. 

On the morning of the 21st of June, 1864, he led his men out 
in front of Petersburg, on picket duty. As they Avere starting, 
he said to them: "Come, boys, let's go on to liiehmond." After 
a very fatiguing day, late in the afternoon, he laid doAvn on the 
ground to rest. In a moment a ball struck him in the head, and 
he died instantly. 

Thus passed aAvay the dutiful son, the pure patriot, the braA^e 
soldier, and the kind friend. His companions, in their letters to 
his bereaved mother, speak of him in terms of the highest 
admiration and Avarmest affection. 

The folk)Aving letter shoAvs us in Avhat estimation he Avas held 
by one of his superior officers: 

Quartermaster's Dept., 44th Eegt. N. Y. S. V. / 
Near Petersburg, Va., June 25, 1864. \ 

My dear Madam — Although a stranger to you, permit me to 
communicate these fcAv lines in expressions of sympathy for you, 
upon the great affliction Avhich has befallen you, in the untimely 
death of your son, Avho was killed on the skirmish line, on the 
afternoon of the 21st inst. 

Being one of the original officers of the regiment, the oppor- 



SERGT. WALTER H. ANGUS. G05 

tuiiily has been uffbrdcd iiic to notice and mark the progress of 
your son, together with others of its meniljers, from the very 
commencement of its career. Among the first to attract my 
attention, and for me more particuhirly and carefully to observe 
since our regiment left Albany, was your son Walter. 

Uniformly straightforward and upright in his demeanor, 
invarial)l3- prompt and efficient in* the discharge of every duty, 
he fully merited, Avhat he alwaj^s received, the respect and con- 
fidence of his officers; while his intelligence and social qualities 
made him the agreeable and popular compaiJon of all his 
associates. 

I shall long remember the conversation I had with him in 
Deceml)er last, when the subject of reenlistment was being agi- 
tated in our regiment; nor will I soon forget, when speaking of 
what he felt to be his duty at the time, the feeling and touching 
maimer in which he alluded to his obligations to his mother. 

He has gone — but how nol)ly he has fallen! In the front line, 
the foremost position, he was bravely skirmishing with the 
enemy; had ceased firing, thrust his musket into the ground, 
and laid down to rest, supporting his head upon his hand, when 
the fatal bullet struck him in the head. He died almost 
instantly. 

He was carefully interred by his comrades, and his grave 
plainl}^ marked. He now sleeps beneath an evergreen tree, near 
the spot where he fell. 

On behalf of the officers and soldiers of his regiment, let me 
assure you of our deepest feelings of sorrow and condolence. 
We all mourn his loss as one whom we admired Avhile he lived, 
and whom we honored when he died, fearlessly, faithfully, nobly 
discharging his duty — a true soldier. 

"With extreme sympathy, I am, my dear madam. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

LIEUT. FRED. R. MUNDY, 
Quartermaster Mth Regt. JY. Y. S. V. 



GOG SERGT. JiVJMES S. GEELING. 



LXIX. 

SERGT. JAMES S. GERLING. 

James S. Gerlixg, son of Thomas R. B. and Eliza Gerling, 
was born in West Walton, Marshland, county of Norfolk, Eng- 
land, Octol)er 7, 1845. He came with his parents from London 
to New York, and arrived June 14th, 1854. Two years after- 
wards James was sadly afflicted by the loss of his beloved and 
faithful mother. That bereavement he felt severely to the day 
of his death. 

At school, James was an obedient and diligent scholar, and 
faithfull}^ performed every duty assigned to him. His memory 
was retentive, his judgment mature, and his moral character was 
without reproach. He loved, too, his Sabbath lessons, and ap- 
preciated the advantages of his Sabbath school. 

As a son and brother, James was kind and affectionate, 
and was ever ready to deny himself for the good of others. 
As a clerk, his employer ever found him truthful and trust- 
worthy, 

James enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirteenth New York 
Regiment, in July, 18G2. He was anxious, as he said, to serve 
his adopted country, especially in putting down a slaveholders' 
rebellion. He fully believed in human lil)erty, and adopted as 
his own, the words of our Declaration of Independence, declaring 
that all men are born free and equal. 

Arriving \vith his regiment in ^^''ashington, he entered upon 
the duties of his position with patriotic enthusiasm. He became 
a brave soldier, and very rapidly made friends among the officers 
and soldiers with whom he was associated. 

He kept his father informed, by frequent letters, of all his 
movements, and souglit to allay his anxiety concerning him. 



SEEGT. JAMES S. GERLING. 007 

James, by bis own merits, rose to the position of Corporal, 
and was afterwards appointed Sergeant. Very often be received 
the Avarni commendations of bis superior officers. 

When Gen. Gkant ordered the regiment to the front, James 
wrote to his father thus: " I am in excellent health and spirits. 
I know not m here we are going; perhaps to Gen. Meade's army. 
We have had to part with a great many things on our way, but 
whatever else I may have to part with, I shall try to keep the 
Bihle you gave me. Pray for me, for I need your prayers." 

lie participated in the battle of the Wilderness, and on the 
morning of June the 3d, ISIM, was in the charge made upon the 
rebels at Coal Harbor, where he was wounded. Having reached 
the rebel lines, his own gun for some reason, would not go off. 
He w^as stooping, in the act of taking the piece of a dead com- 
rade, when he was shot in the shoulder. Oar forces not being 
a1)lc to hold the line, had to retreat to their own lines, where his 
Avound was dressed. He was then sent to the rear, and to the 
hospital. 

The wound not bein"; a dauijerous one, he soon obtained a 
furlough to return home. On his way, he stopped at David's 
Island, East river. New York, where he heard a sermon from a 
young Episcopal minister, that made a deep and lasting impres- 
sion on his mind. 

While at home he took pleasure in attending upon religious 
worship, and visiting the Sabbath schools. 

At the expiration of his furlough, he was urged to have it 
extended another month, as his wound was not entirely healed, 
but he refused, and resolved to report himself for duty. Accord- 
ingly he left home, July 26, 1804, and joined his regiment, then 
near the James river. 

On the 24th of August, while engaged, with others, in tear- 
ing up a railroad, the rcl)els came in full force suddenly upon 
them, and he received a wound in his side, that afterwards 
proved fatal. He Avas taken to City Point, and thence to the 
Emory Hospital, in Washington. While there he wrote several 
letters to his father and brother, in which he expressed the 
hope that he would soon recover. He was attended by a skillful 



608 SERGT. JAMES S. GERLING. 

surgeon and fuitliful nurse, and everything that was possible, was 
done for his comfort. But early in October he sank rapidly, and 
died October 8, 1864, aged nineteen years. 

His father, who Avas with hini, brought his remains home, and 
his funeral took place in the Bowery Methodist Episcopal Mis- 
sion Church, where he had attended Sabbath school. A larg^e 
number of sympathizing friends were present. Dr. Hawley 
officiated, and preached a most appropi-iate and afl'ecting dis- 
course, which was listened to with solemn attention. Thus has 
passed awa}' another young martyr to the great cause of human 
liberty. 



SEEGT. ALEXANDER D. RICE. 609 



LXX. 

SERGT. ALEXANDER DAVIDSON RICE. 

Sergt. AlexxVnder Davidson Rice, sixth son of Joseph F. and 
Jaxe Gumming Rice, Avas born in the city of Alliany, N. Y., 
April 10th, 1837 and died June 28th, 18G4, at Harewood Hospi- 
tal, Washington, D. C. 

Sergt. Rice enlisted August 6th, 1862, as private in Company 
C, Seventh Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery, and was 
promoted to Sergeant, which position he held until his death. 
Fie participated in the battles of Po River, Mine Run, North 
Anna, Polopotomy Creek and Coal Plarbor. The battle of Polo- 
potomy was one of the severest thus far, and there the regiment 
established its high reputation. It crossed the creek under a 
heavy fire, and drove the enemy from a strongly intrenched posi- 
tion. 

On the morning of the memorable third day of June, 1864, at 
Coal Harlior, the regiment moved before sunrise to attack the 
enemy, and was the only regiment that penetrated their works. 
In the engagement, Sergt. Rice was wounded by a shot from one 
of the enemy's sharpshooters, the ball entering the right breast 
and coming out near the spine. After receiving the Avound, he 
laid all day upon the field without surgical aid, as he fell between 
the fire of the enemy and our own. But in the evening his com- 
rades succeeded in bringing him within our lines. There were 
previous unsuccessful attempts to accomplish this, in one of 
which ]\Ir. John Bartlett of the same regiment, was Avounded 
in the shoulder, from the effects of which he died on the ITtli 
of June. 

Sergt. Rice was removed^ to Harewood hospital, and appeared 
to be doing well. Indeed his woUnd seemed to improve suffi- 

■69 



610 SERGT. ALEXANDER D. RICE. 

ciently to justify hopes that he might be with his friends in 
Albany about the first of July. But an unfavorable change 
occurred on the 26th of June, and he died suddenly at 8 a. m. of 
the 28th of the same month. He left a Avife and two children. 

While at the hospital, he evinced a great desire that his fel- 
low sufferers might be made comfortable, and to this end ordered 
his nurse to expend the money he had remaining, in the purchase 
of such little articles as they most needed. His kindness endeared 
him to those who occupied the same ward with him, and when 
the sad news of his death was whispered around, many a pillow 
was wet with tears of profound regret, and many a prayer was 
breattfed, that his freed soul might enjoy that perfect peace, that 
awaits the righteous in Heaven. 

In the hospital his Bible was his most cherished companion, 
and his spiritual attendant there, Rev. William P. Everett, at 
his own request, officiated at his funeral, which took place at 
Albany, July 6th, 1864. His remains were placed in the family 
grounds at Albany Rural Cemetery. 



SERGT. GEORGE SANDERS. 611 



LXXI. 

SERGT. GEORGE SANDERS. 

George Sanders Avas born in Stcvington, County of Bedford- 
shire, England. 

We have no reliaT)le information concerning his parentage, 
and have not been alile to ascertain his exact age. Those that 
knew him well, judged him to have been about thirty-five years 
at the time of his death. He came to this country with his 
grandfather when about fourteen years old, and has lived here 
ever since. His residence, most of the time, has been in Alban3^ 
As nearly as can l)e ascertained, he enlisted August the 1st, 1862, 
in Company D, Capt. Charles McCullock. in what was then the 
One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, and left with his regi- 
ment August 19th, 18G2, for Forts Gaines and Kearney near 
Washington, which forts the regiments helped to build and 
miprove. After the regiment was changed into a Heavy Artil- 
lery Regiment, until in the spring of 1864, he, with his comrades 
were ordered to the front, where they fought with distinguished 
ralor and bravery. 

He had thus far taken all the risks and performed all the 
duties, of a soldier with safety; but at the battle of Coal Har- 
bor, he was struck in the head by a piece of shell, which dis- 
abled him, and he was taken from the field. He was sent to 
Emory Hospital, Washington, D. C, but very shortly was re- 
moved to the Camden Street Hospital, Baltimore, Md,, and 
reached there June 11th. He died there, June 18, 1864. 

Mr. Sanders had received a fair common school education, 
was fond of readino; and Avas well informed in regard to the 
questions of the day. He felt keenly the wrongs inflicted by 
the institution of American slavery, and he enlisted in the army 



612 SERGT. GEORGE SANDERS. 

inspired by the purest patriotism, and the most earnest desires to 
uphold the Union and the cause of human liberty. He had also 
received a tliorough religious education, and although not a pro- 
fessor of religion, was a believer in its doctrines, and deeply 
impressed with its truth. He sustained a fine moral character 
and with great firmness resisted the temptations of the camp 
and the field. In his letter to his wife, I find he expressed his 
determination not to disgrace himself or his family b}^ yielding 
to temptation; and with God's help, he kept his resolution. 

As a reward for his fidelity and bravery, he was made Cor- 
poral, April 11, 1863, and was made Sergeant, Janui^ry 24, 1863; 
which position he held, and by which he was known until he 
died. 

In June, 1863, he was wounded, and soon after died. His 
body was l)rought home on the 24th of that month, and buried 
rmder the following touching circumstances : 

About the time he was wounded his wife was taken very ill 
with typhoid fever, and she died on the very day his body 
arrived in the city. During his sickness it was thought best not 
to inform her that her husl)and was wounded. Yet, during her 
lucid intervals fi'om fever delirium, she stated that he was 
wounded; and before the telegram came announcing his death, 
she stated that she knew that lie was dead. 

The funeral services of both took place at the same time, from 
Rev. Dr. Magoon's church, Sunday, June 26th, and they both 
lay l)eside their infant daughter in the Albany Rural Cemetery. 

They have two children, boys, aged, at the time of their death, 
four and five years. 

May a kind Providence guard the little orphans thus deprived 
on the same day of both of their dear parents. 



SERGT. JOSEPH C. VANDERHOOF. 613 



LXXII. 

SERGT. JOSEPH COWAN VANDERHOOF. 

Ix Albiiiiy, Joseph Coav.vn Vanderhoof was born, July 25, 
1843. His childhood was spent with, his grand-parents iu 
Cuyahog-a county, Ohio, in the public schools of which he 
received the principal part of his education. 

He returned to Albany when al)out thirteen years old, and 
attended school for a few months. He attended regularly on 
the ministrations of the Rev. Dr. Sprague, of the Second Pres- 
byterian church. 

Soon after his retnrn to All^any he was apprenticed to the 
marble cutting business, at which he worked till the breaking 
out of the rebellion. In ansAver to the President's call for troops 
on the 19th of April, 1861, he joined Company A, IVenty-iifth 
Regiment as a private, and left with the regiment on the 21st of 
the same month. They remained in Washington till the 23d of 
May, when they were orerded to take possession of Arlington 
Heights. The regiment crossed the Long Bridge at midnight, and 
once on the soil of Virginia, Company A having the right of the 
line, were detailed to scour the woods, when it fell to the 
lot of private Vanderhoof to take what are believed to be 
the first prisoners captured in the war for the Union. These 
Avere tAvo caA^alrymen on foot, Avho Avere doubtless tr3'ing to 
escape the Adgilance of the advance, as their horses Avere after- 
Avards found tied in the woods. Nothing further of note oc- 
curred during his connection Avith the TAventy-fifth, Avith which 
he remained until the term of service expired, Avhen they re- 
turned home and were mustered out of service. 

He resumed work at his trade, but Avith a desire to continue 
his connection Avith military men, he joined. Company D, Tenth 



614 SERGT. JOSEPH C. VANDERHOOF. 

Regiment, N. Y. S. M., where, by his diligence and .ittention to 
duty, he soon merited and received promotion to the rank of 
Serjreant, Avhich rank he retained until his death. 

On a subsequent call for troops, the Tenth offered their servi- 
ces, and were accepted on a nine months term of service, and 
were officially designated as the One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V. They left December 16, 1862, 
their destination being Louisiana. During the short but eventful 
history of this regiment, 8ergt. Cowan was ever at his post, dis- 
charging his duties with alacrity, and undergoing with unflinch- 
ing zeal their toils, privations and exposures at Bonnet Carre', 
Baton Rouge and Port Hudson. 

Fatigue and exposure, however, proved too much for him, and 
for some weeks before the regiment left, he was ill with tjqjhoid 
fever. On the 20th of August, 1863, Avhen the regiment em- 
barked on their return, he was deemed sufficiently recovered to 
accompany them; but the seeming convalescence proved only 
transitory, for on the 26th of August he died, on the way up the 
Mississippi. His remains were interred at Cairo. 

His mother, stricken by the blow which fell so heavily on 
her, for he was the only sou of his mother, and she a widow, 
longed earnestly that his remains might sleep with kindred dust; 
and oA'ercoming every obstacle, she went to Cairo, had the 
remains disinterred and brought to Albany, where they rest iu 
the Albany Rural Cemetery. 



SERGT. ANDREW T. HOTALING. 615 



LXXIIL 

SERGT. ANDREW T. HOTALING, 

OF NEW BALTIMORE. 

Andrew T. Hotaling, Sergeant Company A, Seventh New 
York Heavy Artillery, was born in New Baltimore Jul}^ 23, 1838. 
His father's name is Ephraim Hotaling, and his mother's, Amy 
Gay. 

His character as a citizen was marked by no unusual traits. He 
was beloved by his friends for his domestic virtues. Losing his 
mother at an early age, the greater part of his life was spent 
with an uncle at New Baltimore, for whom he felt a strong aJBfec- 
tion through life. He joined the army from motives of the purest 
patriotism. 

He entered the United States service, as a recruit, in Company 
A, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, November 7, 18(32, at 
Albany, N. Y. He at once joined the regiment, which was sta- 
tioned in the defences of Washington. He was appointed Cor- 
poral, December 1, 1862; then Sergeant, May 1, 1863. His 
regiment left Washington to join the Arm}- of the Potomac May 
15, 1864. 

He Avas engaged in the battles of Spottsylvania Court House, 
JNlilford Station, North Anna, Coal Harbor, and the l)attles in 
front of Petersburg, of June 16th and 22d. 

Li the last engagement he was wounded in the foot, and ampu- 
tation became necessary. After lingering a few weeks, the wound 
proved fatal, and he died the 26th day of July, 1864, at Lincoln 
Hospital, Washington. 

During his sickness, he was brought to see his condition as a 
sinner, and to feel his need of a Saviour; and putting his trust 
in Him, died in the full hope of pardon through His blood. 



616 SEKGT. ANDREW T. HOTALIXG. 

Through the kindness of Mr. Wm. McElrot, Secretary of 
the Christian Commission, who was at Washington at the time, 
his body was eml)ahiied and forwarded to his friends. 

As a soldier, he Avas faithful in the performance of his duties, 
and always acted as though he had the best interests of his coun- 
try at heart. He was very gentlemanly in his deportment, and 
kind to all with whom he was associated. His fellow soldiers 
respected and loved him, and greatly mourned his loss. 

The followino- letter he wrote to his uncle a short time before 
his death: 

Washington, July, 1'864. 

Dear Uncle — I received a letter from you the other day, and 
was glad to get it. My foot was taken oli' on the loth of July, 
and I fear it has not done as well as it might. I had a fever ten 
days, and it has left me very low. I shall never get well. I 
have put my trust in Christ ever since the day I was wounded. 
I believe the Saviour has heard my prayers, and that he is able 
and willing to take me to himself. 

They have telegraphed to my sister, Mrs. J. B. Read. I expect 
her on here to-night or some time to-morrow. I want to see her 
very much, and hope she will come. Good bye, dear uncle. If 
it is God's will that I should not see you again on earth, I hope 
we may meet in Heaven. 

Your affectionate nephew, 

ANDREW T. HOTALING. 

James Hotaling, Esq. 



SERGT. WILLIAM H. BELL. 617 



LXXIV. 
SERGT. WILLIAM HENHY BELL, 

OF BERN. 

William Henry Bell was the only son of Henry and Corne- 
lia Bell, and was born in the town of Bern, March 28th, 1841. 

He was an active and cheerful youth, and sustained an excel- 
lent moral character. His motives in entering the army Avere 
purely patriotic. On the 18th of August, 1862, he enlisted in 
Company K, One Hundred and Thirteenth New York Kegiment. 
He was never in any battle, but faithfully discharged every duty 
that devolved upon him. 

While at Fort Reno he was seized with inflammation of the 
lungs, and died in one week, on the 15th of March, 1864, aged 
twenty-three years. Only a short time before his sickness, he 
had been promoted to the position of Sergeant. 

His remains were followed to the grave, in the town of Broome, 
Schoharie county, by a large number of sympathizing and mourn- 
ing friends. He was greatly beloved and respected by all who 
knew him. 



618 SERGT. PAUL QUAY. 



LXXV. 

SERGT. PAUL QUAY, 

OF KKOX. 

Paul Quay, the son of John and Elizabeth Quay, was born 
in the town of Knox, July 30th, 1841. 

From his early youth he was a regular attendant at the Sab- 
bath school, and in the winter of 1861 he became a hopeful 
Christian, and united with the Eeformed Dutch Church in Knox- 
ville. He was very conscientious in the discharge of all his 
duties, and was an active and useful Christian. 

Patriotism induced him to enlist in his country's service, and 
he joined the Seventh Heavy Artillery about the 1st of August, 
18G2. 

He was in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged 
during Grant's campaign till he was taken prisoner on the 16th 
day of June, 1864. He was sent to Andersonville, where he 
suffered all the hardships and horrors incident to that horrible 
pen. Thence he was sent to Milan, where he died some time 
during the following winter. During his confinement in these 
Southern prisons he was never able to send a single letter to 
his friends at home, nor to receive one from them. He suffered 
all the agonies of disease and starvation without one human . 
bein<r to ofler him the least relief, or offer to him one word of 
consolation. Those by whom he was surrounded delighted in 
his pains and wretchedness, and wished him to die. His remains 
lie somewhere in the Southern States, but where his friends do 
not know. 

He died a child of God, a friend of Jesus, and a martyr to the 
cause of American lil)erty. 

I'lie foUowiug touching lines were composed by a prisoner, a 



SERGT. PAUL QUAY. 619 

memlier of a Pennsylvania regiment, who felt that more should 
have been done for their release: 

" OH, YE WHO YET CAN SAVE US, WILL YOU LEAA'E US HERE TO DIE? " 

When onr country called for men, we came from forge, store and mill, 

From workshop, farm and factory, the broken ranks to fill; 

AVe left onr quiet, happy homes, and those we loved so well, 

To vanquish all our Union foes, or fall as others fell. 

Now in prison drear we languish, and it is our constant cry, 

Oh ! ye who yet can save us, will you leave us here to die? 

The voice of slander tells you, that our hearts were weak with fear, 

That all. or nearly all, of us were captured in the rear; 

But scars upon our bodies, from musket ball and shell. 

The missing legs and shattered arms a truer tale will tell. 

We have tried to do our duty in sight of God on high; 

Oh .' ye who, yet can save us, will you leave us here to die? 

There are hearts with hopes still beating, in our pleasant northern homes, 

Waiting, watching for the loved ones that may never, never come. 

In southern prisons drear, meagre, tattered, pale and gaunt; 

Growing weaker, daily, from pinching cold and want. 

There brothers, sons and husbands, poor, helpless captives lie, 

Oh ! ye who yet can save us, will you leave us here to die? 

From out our prison gate, there is a grave yard close at hand, 
Where lie fourteen thousand Union men, beneath the Georgia sand, 
And scores are laid beside them, as day succeeds each day; 
And thus it ever will be till all shall pass away; 
And the last can fiay, when dying, with upturned, glaring eye, 
Both love and faith are dead at home, they have left us here to die 



620 SERGT. WILLIAIM CROUNSE. 



LXXVI. 

SERGT. WILLIAM CROUNSE, 

OF GUILDERLAND. 

William Crounse, fourth son of Abraham and Magbaliin 
Crounse, was born in the town of Guilderhind, Albany Count}-, 
September 19, 1830. Under the supervision of an eminently 
pious mother, his youth was spent without anything more than 
the ordinary events of quiet farm life. If there Avas any one 
trait in his character most predominant, it was his respect and 
love for his parents. 

At the age of twenty-one he became united in marriage witli 
the daughter of Frederick Mathias of the town of New Scot- 
land. After this, for several years, he was associated with his 
father in the management of the farm. In 1855 he left the farm 
and became united in business with his brother, in the city of 
Albany. 

At the outbreak of the rebellion, he being a member of a 
militia organization, expressed his determination to enlist in the 
service of his country. But by the advice and solicitations of 
his friends, he was induced to relinquish the idea for the time. 

Soon after he was oftcred a commission as Lieutenant in a reo'i- 
mcnt then forming, which he declined, because he preferred to 
go out as a private in his own regiment, Avhich was then making 
strenuous efforts to recruit up to the required number. 

The One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment being ac- 
cepted, he was mustered into the service as a member of B Co., 
October 10th, 1862. He left with the regiment for New Orleans, 
December 16th of the same year. 

Previous to his departure, his friends endeavored to persuade 
him to apply for a discharge on account of his health, which for 



SERGT. WILLIAM CROUNSE. 621 

some time previous had been very poor. His reply was, " my 
country needs every man she can get, and it is my duty to assist 
her all I can." But disease had marked him for a victim. On 
the rough passage to New Orleans he sutlered greatly; still, on 
reaching their tirst camp at Bonnet Carre, La., his health was 
such as to enable him to attend to his duty with the regiment. 
AVhile there he was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant, 
and was detailed to duty as Assistant Provost ^Marshal. 

His disease, which had never left him, was slowly and surely 
wasting away his life, and when his regiment was ordered to Port 
Hudson, he was obliged, though much against his desire, to 
remain behind on the sick list. 

Although not a professor of religion, he was a constant attend- 
ant at divine service. While at home and in camp, he kept 
aloof from the vices and abuses to which, from a social and lively 
temperament, he was particularly exposed. 

He died at Bonnet Carre, La,, June 28th, 1863, at the age of 
thirty -two years and six months. He passed away quietly and 
peacefully, relying on the infinite mercy of his Redeemer, and 
expressing a firm conviction of his acceptance. 

He was buried in the regimental burying ground at Bonnet 
Carre in December 1863; but his remains were disinterred, taken 
home, and deposited in the Albany Cemetery. 

The following letter from Capt. E. H. Merriiiew, was received 
by the brother of the deceased. 

BoxNET Carre, La., June 2.9, 1863. 
CoxRAD Crouxse: 

Dear Sir — The painful duty of announcing to you the sad in- 
telligence of the death of your brother William, devolves upon 
me. Willla3i died yesterday, Sunday, June 28, 1863, at about 
noon. You, no doubt, had been informed of his previous illness 
and of his ao-ain beins; convalescent. But he was again taken 
seriously ill on or al)out the twenty-first inst., and commenced 
sinking so very rapidly, that, towards the latter part of the week 
his friends here gave up all hopes of his recovery. Thus he 
continued until Sunday, when death put an end to his sufferings 



622 SERGT. WILLIAM CEOUNSE. 

on earth. I do not know very much of the circumstances attend- 
ing his sickness, as I have been away from here the hist two 
months with the regiment. Fortunately, I called here on my 
way from Port Hudson to New Orleans, about the time he was 
last taken down, and on my way back, I arrived at camp just in 
time to be with him when he expired. His mental faculties were 
unimpaired until a few hours previous to his death. 

His loss has cast a deeper gloom over the camp, than any event 
of the kind that I have before witnessed. We shall miss him. 
You will miss him, and there is one who will miss him more 
than us all. I have not written to her, but I Avish you to break 
to her the sad intelligence. Tell her that everything was done 
for him that a good physician and careful nursing could do. But 
all was of no avail. It seems that his time had come, and no 
mortal hand could save him. It might have been diflerent, had 
he been at home, but A\^e cannot tell. 

He expressed a Avish or thought, that he Avould make applica- 
tion for his discharge and go home. But that could not be done 
without taking considei-able time. He has gone from us, and 
while we mourn his departure, our loss may be his eternal gain. 

Yours truly, 

E. H. MEKRIHEW, 
Captain Company B, 111th N. Y. 8. V. 



SERGT. GUSTAVUS A. PEKCY. G23 



LXXVII. 

SERGT. GUSTAVUS A. PERCY, 

OF WATERVLIET. 

GusTAVus A. Percy, the second son of John and Eliza Ann 
Percy, was born in Albany, Jannaiy 1st, 1833. 

In the spring of 1862, he went, with his family, to the State 
of Illinois, and feeling that it was his duty to aid in suppressing 
the rel^ellion, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Illinois Infan- 
try. The regiment went first to Staten Island, and thence to 
the front, in Virginia, where he participated in several battles. 
He fought at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and other places. 
He entered the army as a private, but was soon promoted to the 
position of Sergeant. He was faithful in the discharge of every 
duty assigned to him, courteous and kind in the camp, and fear- 
less upon the battle field. He inherited many of the qualities 
and virtues of his excellent mother, and was highly esteemed by 
all who knew him. 

At the terrible slaughter at Gettysburg he fell mortally 
wounded, and was buried upon the battle field. 

Mr. Percy leaves a wife and little daughter, and a large circle 
of friends, to mourn his early and sudden death. 



624 CORPORAL WILLIAM MURRY. 



LXXVIIL 
CORPORAL WILLIAM MURRY. 

WiLLiAJH MuRRY was boi'ii ill Dublin, Ireland, March 4, 1825. 
He came to this country with his parents in 1830, and became a 
resident of Albany in 184G, He was a most consistent and use- 
ful member of the North Pearl Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and beloved by all who knew him. 

In 1848 he enlisted in the service of the United States, and 
was a faithful and l)rave soldier dui-ing the Mexican war. At 
the close of that war he returned home, and lived a useful and 
quiet life, until the Southern rebellion broke out. He then felt 
it to be his duty to again buckle on his armor, and he enlisted, 
August 2()th, 18(J2, in the Forty-third Regiment. 

During his absence from home, his letters to his beloved wife 
and friends, were always full of hope for success in the great con- 
test for national existence, and they breathed the spirit of earnest 
patriotism. 

In evidence of his heroism, we cite the following from a letter 
dated Culpepper, October 4, 18(53: 

" I think I can say I have done my duty. Wherever my com- 
pany has been I have been Avith them, and in the front rank. I 
will never have it said of me that, when I got within hearing of 
the cannon, I retired to the woods until the battle was over. My 
opinion is, every man who will desert his friends in time of battle, 
deserves to be shot." 

Under date, December 4, 1863, near Brandy Station, he wrote 
these noble words to his wife: "I am fighting for God and my 
country. I feel proud to be found in the service of my country. 
What if I do sufll-r here, I will be rewarded hereafter." 

A l)eautiful evidence of his religious character, as also of his 



CORPOEAL WILLIAM MURKY. 625 

conjugal affection, is found in a letter dated March 25, 1864, 
from Brand}^ Station: " My prayer is that I may get home to see 
you, my dear wife. You are alwaj^s in my thoughts. I expected 
to reach home before now; but this is a w^orld of disappointment. 
My trust is in God, and in Him alone. Thus far He has l)een 
good to me, and I know He will be with me to the end. I am 
trying to do my duty. My dear, let us trust God, and be faithful 
until death, and all will be well." 

Under date of May 1, 1864, he says: "If anj^thing befalls me 
I have friends here that will inform you; but don't be discouraged, 
God is with us. He has brought us safe thus far, and w^hy not 
trust him in time to come! O, let us be faithful until death, so 
that we may meet in heaveih" 

After having escaped many dangers, Mr. Murry was killed 
at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May 10, 1864. A 
carefully kept and neatly written diary, from July 25, 1863, to 
April 13, 1864, shows that Mr. Murry was one of the noble 
heroes of our patriotic army, ever ready for duty, always hope- 
ful, never sacrilicing his honor nor his Christian character. Like 
thousands, his lonely wife is comforted, amid sorrow, by the 
assurance that her husband died in a good cause, and she hopes 
to meet his brave and sanctified spirit, in the land of everlasting 
rest. 

The following testimonial to the character of the departed is 
given by Professor J. T. C^vmeron, of Albany: 

"Mr. Murry came to the Washington Avenue Methodist 
Church in 1849, and was one of our most substantial members. 
He was benevolent and kind to all; modest and retiring in his 
deportment. While he was ready to do all in his power for the 
church, yet he shrank from assuming the responsibilities of office. 
Being induced, however, to accept the position of class leader, 
he was faithful, and secured the confidence of all. Every object 
that was proposed for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom 
found in him a warm supporter. 

It was with deep regret that we were obliged to part with him, 
and, in the last official meeting, resolutions expressive of our 
feelings were passed. At the last prayer meeting he endeavored 

40 



626 CORPORAL WILLIAM MURRY. 

to cheer his weeping friends and said, " If I fall, I hope to fall 
into the arms of Jesus." 

The followintr letter has been received from Colonel Terrell: 

Albany, March 6, 1866. 

It is with i)leasure that I can bear testimony to the Christian 
and heroic soldier, Corporal William Murry. For almost three 
long years he endured all the hardships of a soldier's life with- 
out a murmur, and striving to do his duty in the most faithful 
manner. 

He participated in every engagement with his regiment, and, 
by his remarkable coolness in action, won the highest esteem of 
his comrades and officers. He possessed that quiet but deter- 
mined spirit of a brave man, who looks death calmly in the face, 
and is prepared to go should it be his ftite. 

His conduct was most exemplary. His Bible was his constant 
companion, and often, in passing through the regiment, he could 
be seen alone by himself, reading his book. He never would 
take part in the coarse jokes or wild frolics of his comrades, 
but strived to press more sober and solemn thoughts upon their 
minds. At the storming of Marye's Heights, under a terrible 
and galling fire, he was one of the first to reach the top, and, 
by his coolness, inspired his fellow soldiers with confidence and 
spirit, enabling them to hold what they had so nobly taken. 

The campaign again opened, and the long, weary marches 
were drawing both armies nearer together. At last the grand 
fight began. Those who were there, and lived through it, will 
never forget the battles of the Wilderness. It was while the 
fight was at its highest, and while every gallant son was doing 
his best to gain the day, that the Corporal, worn out with hard 
fighting, and faint, was placed by his comrades against a tree for 
support. The shot and shell were fl^'ing in all directions, and 
our side had to give way, under the dreadful fire which was 
sweeping away the noble fellows that were unable to walk amid 
the rain of death. It was not long before our gallant men 
regained wiiat they had lost; and not until then did they find 
the mangled forms of their comrades. The Corporal was never 



CORPORAL WILLIAM MURRY. G27 

found. No doubt the brave man dragged his weary body to 
some lone spot, to die alone amid the thundering of the deadly 
conflict. All mourned his loss as one that could not be replaced. 
He was respected while he lived, honored when he died. 

Respectfully, WM. H. TERRELL, 

Late Lt. Col. 43^ N'. Y. Vols. 



628 CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES. 



LXXIX. 

CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES. 

George T. Gates was born November 17, 1843, in Chicopee. 
Muss. He had resided in Albany since he was eight years old, 
up to the time of his enlistment, with the exception of two sum- 
mers, which had been spent in the country. In March, 1861, 
he left home to engage in farming, his favorite employment. 

His feelings at this time were very tender, and he showed un- 
usual interest in the subject of religion, which caused his friends 
to hope that he was earnestly seeking the salvation of his soul. 
Early in April a letter was received from him, in which he 
expressed a hope that he had chosen Christ as his friend and 
portion. A desire for the salvation of his friends and companions 
manifested itself, in conversing with and Avriting to them on the 
suljject. 

He soon expressed a wish, to use his own words, "to be 
enrolled in the army of Christ," and on the first communion 
season, which was the first Sal^bath in July, he came home and 
united with the Congregational Church, then under the pastoral 
care of Dr. Palmer, of whom he frequently spoke in his letters. 
Once after this he was permitted to sit with his friends at the 
tal)le of the Lord, before leaving to enter upon what he regarded 
as duty. 

George was much interested in the affairs of the nation from 
a boy, and though but a youth when the war broke out, he 
availed himself of all the information within his reach in^ rela- 
tion to its progress. In a letter written to his parents in August, 
he said: " I feel as if I ought to be serving my country." 

In September he wrote again, saying that, after much thought 
and prayer, having counted the cost, he felt it to be his duty to 



CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES. 629 

"•ivG himself to his country, if this met Avith the approl)ation of 
his parents. Accordingly, in October, he came home, and en- 
listed in the Forty-fourth N. Y. Regiment on the loth of Octo- 
ber, and left for New York on the 20th of that month. 

He Avas in Company A, Capt. Chapin, and was the youngest 
in the company, not l)eing eighteen years of age at the time of 
his enlistment. His Captain said of him three months after- 
wards: "George makes one of the best soldiers in the com- 
pany. Besides, he has secured for himself the friendship of his 
fellows, and the confidence of his officers." 

He was made Corporal in December, 1862: afterwards he was 
appointed color Corporal as a mark of honor for his coolness in 
battle, with a promise of promotion. But promotion he never 
sought, and being spoken to upon the subject, he said, " I did 
not come here for promotion or pay, and I can serve my country 
just as faithfully as a private." 

George's first experience in battle was at Hanover Court 
House, after wdiich, he says, "I Avrite just to say that I am alive, 
though our regiment has suffered severely. Several of our 
officers are wounded, the Major, badly. One ffiig is riddled by 
forty-eight shots." 

Then, June 29th, Avhile the seven days' battles Avere in pro- 
gress, he says, "I am alive and Avell after a hard-fought bat- 
tle Avhich occurred on Friday last. Our loss Avas severe. We 
lost our knapsacks and almost everything, except Avhat Ave 
had on. I had many very narrow escapes, and am very thank- 
fid to that kind Providence that kept me through scenes of so 
much danger." 

Again, July 4th, he Avrites, "During the last w^eek I have 
been in tAvo different battles and one skirmish, and escaped 
Avithout a scratch; but in the battle of Jul}- 1st, was slightly 
Avounded in my right shoulder. I was struck by a piece of 
shell, but shall not leave our skeleton regiment, though I 
think many have left Avho Avere not Avounded any Avorse, if as 
badly. Don't be alarmed if you see my name in the list of 
Avounded. Our loss is very severe. Company A lost just half 
the men that we went in Avith. 



630 CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES. 

" The regiment made a bayonet charge, in which we ran over 
the bodies of the dead and wounded rebels piled three or four 
deep. There were three files on each side of me mowed down. 
I have seen plenty of fighting, just all I wish to." Again he 
writes, in prospect of going into battle, " We maybe called into 
action at any moment. M}^ prayer is that God will spare my 
life to glorify Him, and do much for the furtherance of His 
cause, but if it is His will that I fall, may He receive my soul." 

At another time, after the Peninsular campaign, in the midst 
of marches and battles he says, " Cease not to pray for me, that 
through the merits of Jesus Christ I may be fully prepared for 
any event. If it should please God that I lay my life on the 
altar of my country, pray that I may through the riches of His 
grace in Christ our Saviour, be accepted and saved." 

After the battle of Bull Run he says, " We fought a good 
fight, Company A lost sixteen men." 

In Octol)er, he Avritcs, •' How I should have enjoyed sitting 
with 3^ou at the table of the Lord. I hope the time is not far 
distant when I shall ])e able to do so, and to enjoy the numerous 
privileges of which I am noAv deprived. O pray that strength 
and grace may be given me to Avithstand all the temptations 
around me, and come out purified." 

The first Salibath in his twentieth year he says, " I am striving 
to live nearer to my God than I did last year. Pray, dear 
mother, that I may look to Christ alone for strength to perform 
my duties as a christian." 

He was in the battle of Fredericksburg and says, "We had 
the comfort of taking care of our dead and wounded. We were 
two days and nights at the front, where avc advanced under very 
heavy fire." 

After the battle of Gettysburg, July 4, 18(13, he writes, "We 
have to be very thankful for our kind Heavenly Father's pre- 
serving care over me through another of those scenes of awful 
carnage. Our corps was engaged day before yesterday, and we 
lost very heavily, but repulsed the enemy. Our company lost 
four killed and seventeen wounded. The boys were shot on 
each side of me." 



CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES. 631 

After most bravely fiijhtino- in foTirteeii battles and several 
skirmishes, our young hero patriot entered the battle of the 
Wilderness to offer up his precious life for the American Repul)- 
lic. While charjiing the enemy a ball penetrated his forehead, 
and killed him instantly. His body was not recovered, and his 
friends cannot learn that any one was near him when he expired. 
He fell on the 8th of May, 1864. The last message received 
from him was under date of April 30, after the order to be 
ready at any moment to move with six days rations in their 
haversacks. 

He writes, " with ijood management, which I think Ave wdll 
have, Ave shall strike a bloAv at the rebellion l)y Avhich it Avill be 
crushed. Of course I shall be exposed to great danger, l)ut our 
Kind Heavenly Father, Avho has so long preserved my life, is the 
same merciful God, and if it is His holy Avill he can still preserA^e 
me. But if his Avill be othei'wise, I hope and pray to be pre- 
pared to meet Him in heaven Avith all my dear friends." 

On the 5th avc hear of him in battle, through a tent-mate Avho 
Avas wounded, and Avhom George assisted in carrying off the field. 
Ot" him this companion says, " George Avas a good, brave soldier, 
one who Avas beloved by all Avho kncAV him. His Avhole heart 
Avas in his duty." 

The following, concerning our young hero Avas received from 
Gen. IviCE, under date of September 14, 1863. 

"It Avas my intention after the battle of Gettysburg to make 
your son a Second Lieutenant. During the first hour of the 
l:)attle of the second day, I fought side by side Avith him near the 
colors, and can say, Avith great satisfaction, that not a braver or 
more faithful soldier ever entered the service. During that hour 
Avhile all Avere killed or Avounded around us, he never flinched 
for a moment, but calmly loaded and fired, as if on parade or 
drill; and every shot of his told. I Avas also firing, and Ave 
frequently talked with each other as to the ranks of the enemy 
Avhere our fire would do the most execution. I recollect of his 
saying to me during the severest of the struggle, ' Colonel, you 
cannot reach those on the hill, they are beyond musket range; 
but here is a line in the ravine that needs our attention.' 



632 COEPOR.VL GEORGE T. GATES. 

" He is a cool, brave and faithful soldier, and I never saw in him 
any quality but to commend. During the battle, Col. Vincent 
fell, and I took command of the brigade, which separated me 
from the innnediate command of the regiment. 

" Now let me explain to you why your son was not promoted 
before this. By a law of Congress, no Second Lieutenant could 
be mustered into a regiment which was reduced below a given 
number. Our regiment was below that number. If I had 
remained in command until the regiment was tilled up, your son 
would have been made Lieutenant for his bravery at Gettys- 
burg. I .will noAv write to Lieut. Col. Connor, urging him to 
promote your son as soon as possible. 

" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"J. C. RICE, 
" Brig. Gen. Com. Division.''^ 

The dear boy asked for no promotion on earth. With single- 
ness of heart, and with the loftiest sentiments of honor and 
integrity he desired to do his duty to God, and to his country; 
and most faithfully did he serve both, until the fatal shot termi- 
nated his career. His memory we will cherish with the warmest 
gratitude and affection, and the name of George T. Gates will 
live in the admiration of posterity. 



CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 633 



LXXX. 

CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 

Charles Goldstone Latham, of the Second Regiment of U. S. 
Cavalry, was born September 20th, 1836, at Mystic, Conn. He 
was the second son of Jasper and Jane M. Latham, both of 
whom preceded him to the Heavenly world. 

Charles had the benefit of an early and thorough Christian 
education, and was carefully trained to discharge every duty. 

He acquired with rapidity the rudiments of knowledge, and 
early developed marked intellectual ability. After attending 
several schools, he enjoyed the instruction of the Hon. John W. 
Buckley, now superintendent of the public schools of Brooklyn. 

Mr. B. often remarked to visitors at his school, after they had 
witnessed young Latham's proficiency, " That lad is the smartest 
scholar I have ; at the same time he gives me the most trouble. 
Would he study as hard as some do, he Avould become a prodigy." 
Charles was very fond of reading history, works of romance, 
and the writings of Shakespeare and Dickens. The two latter 
authors were his favorites; such was his memory that he could 
repeat correctly whole pages, and present the characters that 
the}^ delineate, with wonderful minuteness and accuracy. 

He early became connected with the newspaper press of 
Albany, and his first writings were made public through the 
" Evening Transcript," of which paper he was local editor. To 
the ordinary items of city news, he was able to give great fresh- 
ness and attractiveness, by the ease and vigor of his style. 

He was subsequently connected with the "Albany Morning 
Times " and "Evening Statesman," and to both those journals was 
a most valuable adjunct. 

When of the required age, he joined the Albany Burgesses 



634; CORPOEAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 

Corps and was still on the company rolls at the time of his death. 
It is manifest that the schooling he received while a member of 
this company, prompted the early desire he exhibited, that the 
Corps shonld go to the defence of the National Capital, when the 
threats of the hostile south were developed ]>y an attempted 
march upon "Washington. He Avas one among the lirst to affix 
his name to the roll of volunteers, and was, his officers freely 
admit, ever prompt, zealous and unliinching when danger was 
the most imminent. 

Returning wdth the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York State 
Militia, after being relieved from the defences of Washington, 
and after building that model fort. Fort Albany, he remained 
imsettled in his purposes. He had had a taste of military life, 
and though not physically constituted to withstand exposure and 
fatigue, still he entered the regular service, by enlisting on the 
18th of November, 1862, at Boston, Mass., in the Second United 
States Cavalry, having previousl}^ refused a commission in the 
volunteer service. His intelligence and excellent chirographs- 
induced his retention at that post, Avhei'e his clerical services 
made him a valuable acquisition to the officer in charge. But 
many months after, when a change in the conmiander of the post 
was made, he was transferred to Carlisle barracks, Pennsylvania. 
There he was almost immediately created post clerk. But while 
discharo-inof the duties of that office he w^as taken sick, with that 
scourge of all armies, " camp fever." 

It was while on his sick bed, that a grand division of the 
Southern army, by a most strategic feint, made the attempt to 
enter Pennsylvania and capture Harrisburg. General Hooker 
had just been relieved, and General Meade placed in command. 
The southerners, believing that he would be found inadequate to 
the post assigned to him, availed themselves of the opportunity 
to attempt a surprise. 

How the battle of Gettysburg, fought July 4th, 1863, resulted 
is known to all, but it w^as found necessary to vacate Carlisle 
Barracks and move on to Camp Curtin. Young Latham w^as 
placed in a rumbling ambulance, wdiich was hastened over the 
roads, with all the speed of an army in retreat, to Camp Curtin. 



CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 635 

The exposure and exertion were too much for his enfeebled 
energies, and that journey proved to be his journey to the grave. 
On the 4th of July, 1863, he was buried with military honors at 
Camp Curtin; Init a brother's love for a dear and only brother, 
induced the exhumation of his remains, and they were brought 
to this city, and now lie beneath the green sward of our own 
beautiful cemetery. The Albany Burgesses Corps, and very 
many citizens, paid funeral respect to the memory of the gallant 
young Latham. 

The press of the city paid feeling tributes to the memory of 
tne deceased. The following, from the " Morning Express," is 
indicative of the esteem and high regard in which he was held 
by his contemporaries: 

" We yesterday morning briefly announced the death of Chas. 
G. Latham, at Camp Curtin, Pa. The intelligence received here 
Sunday afternoon, cast a deep gloom over a large circle of warm 
friends and intimate acquaintances. The deceased, before enter- 
ing the army, was connected with the newspaper fraternity as 
local reporter, in which capacity he had gained consideral)le dis- 
tinction among his associates. He possessed rare natural ability, 
and was gifted with a tine power of appreciation, blended with 
keen Mat and satire. 

" His first efforts as local editor were published in the ' Evening 
Transcript,' and those Avho remember them, will bear witness to 
their terseness and power to interest. Subsequently, he was 
engaged in the same capacity on other daily journals, to all of 
which he imparted an interest that made their daily issues 
acceptable and readable. 

" He was truly a noble hearted fellow, firm in his attachments to 
his friends, and devoted to the interests of his employers. He 
was a young man of true genius, and some of his writings, we 
now remember, as sparkled with bright gems of thought and 
sentiment. 

"His death is a sad blow to his brother and his family, who 
will have the heartfelt sympathy of all who knew and loved 
him." 

As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held by his com- 



636 CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 

rades in camp, we append the letter of Chaplain Ross, U. S. A., 
to Mr. George E. Latham, brother of deceased: 

Harrisburg, July 7, 1863. 
Mr. Latham: 

Dear Sir — I was very sorry I did not get to see you when on 
your errand of love and sorrow. I knew 3'our brother well, and 
loved him much. He was quiet, sober and thoughtful. I never 
knew him to be in bad company, but I do know he shunned all 
such. 

When he was well I conversed with him frequently, and during 
his sickness I visited him often, and talked and prayed for him. 
He was sane a part of the time, and knew he would not live. 
The last call I made he was flighty at times; still, he kncAv me, 
and called me by name. I asked him to confide in Jesus Christ, 
and meet me in a better home, to which he assented, and shook 
my hand heartily. 

I hope he is better oft". I enclose all his letters that have been 
put in my possession. Any information or anything you may 
wish me to do, I shall do freeh\ Wishing you and yours all 
good blessings, I am, truly jours, 

J. A. ROSS, Chaplain U. 8. A. 

While the Twenty-fiftli Regiment was absent from Albany, 
Corp. Latham was the historian of their doings. We give one 
of bis graphic letters, published in the " Albany Morning Times: " 

Park Barracks, New York, May 2, 1861. 

Dear Times — I have only time to write you a line or two, but 
I know that anything from the boys Avho have "gone to the 
wars " from old Albany, will be acceptable to your readers. 

We have been quartered here since our arrival, and although 
we don't get our china or fancy dishes, we get first rate, substan- 
tial, well cooked rations, good enough for us " or any other man." 

So far there is no sign of ill health among us, and all are 
anxious to do something for the cause in which we are enlisted. 
You know before we left, that hundreds of good fellows, eager 



.CORPOEAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 637 

to serve their country, wished to join us, but a lack of uniforms 
prevented us from taking them. 

It has been just so here: splendid fellows who have been 
attracted by the appearance of the company-, and their complete 
outfit, have applied to go with us, but, of course, we were 
obliged to refuse them. 

As an evidence of the feeling we create, I will mention one 
instance : Yesterday morning, a young man, formerly a resident 
of Albany, and a member of the corps, appeared as the company 
was drawn up in line, in front of the Astor House, and oflercd 
any man in the company, two hundred dollars if he would give 
up his uniform to him. Not a man responded, showing that we 
have those who mean business, and leave their homes for the 
defence of their country and not to " play the soldier." 

We have had scores of our Albany friends here with us since 
our arrival. " Lem" Eogers and others of No. 8 Eiigine, have 
been among the most constant to us, and there is not a man in 
our company who has not experienced their generous and untir- 
ing exertions to make everything as pleasant as possible. They 
left this afternoon, escorted to the cars by a section, and as the 
train moved oil' the most cordial and affectionate farewells were 
exchanged. Tears fell like rain, and hands were wrung at part- 
ing, and (but it's no use, soldiers are men you know and oft times 
are as children) no man can say, that it is any discredit for a 
stalwart man to shed a tear on occasions of this kind. It is an 
evidence that he has a heart within him, and that it is in the 
right place. 

New Yorkers, too, have been among us, and fairly over- 
Avhelmod us with attentions. It may not be out of place to 
mention that Charles Stetson, Esq., of the Astor House, 
remarked as we marched up Broadway, after our arrival, that we 
were the finest appearing and best equipped body of men that 
he had seen since the war excitement began. Mr. Stetson is a 
military man, and has had an opportunity of seeing all the 
troops here, and such an expression from him may l)e considered 
as quite a " feather in our cap." 



638 CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 

As I write, our boys crowd around me, and wish to let their 
friends know that they are all well and in good spirits. 

At six o'clock this evening we were drawn up in line, and our 
Orderly announced that we were to leave to-morrow, at noon, in 
the splendid frigate " Niagara," for Washington. The announce- 
ment was greeted with a hearty Albany cheer, that made the 
barracks ring again. We are all anxious to go and prove that 
we have enlisted for something more than fun. 

I am compelled to stop for the present, but whenever an 
opportunity occurs, you shall hear from the 

CORPOEAL. 



CORPORAL ALBERT C. SMITH. 639 



LXXXI. 
COEPORAL ALBERT C. SMITH. 

Albert C. Smith was born in the State of Rhode Island, and 
was the eldest of a large family of children. His father, Wil- 
liam B. Smith, removed to NorAvay, Herkimer county, N. Y., 
many years ago, and subsequently Albert resided in Hartford, 
Connecticut. He married the fourth daughter of the late Don- 
ald Fisher, who was formerly an officer in the English army, 
under the Duke of Kent. 

At the time the rebellion broke out, Mr. Smith was residing 
with his family in the city of Albany. He was a member of the 
North Pearl Street Baptist Church, and was baptized by the 
venerable Dr. Welch, to whom he Avas very much attached. 

In early Lfe, Albert was remarkable for his amiable qualities, 
and affectionate disposition, and he sought to promote the happi- 
ness of all around him. As a Christian, he was conscientious, 
faithful and consistent. 

In the year 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Ninety-first New 
York Regiment. He went to Florida, and was very sick at Key 
West with inflammation of the lungs. He was discharged on 
the surgeon's certificate, and returned home. By great care and 
faithful nursing his health was restored, and with it came back 
his ardent desire to serve his country. It was a great struggle 
for him to leave his dear family again, but commending them to 
the divine care and protection, he re-enlisted in the army, and 
went to Bonnet Carre, and was afterwards ordered to Port Hud- 
son. There he was prostrated by a fever, and died. In his last 
days he was attended by a noble youth, by the name of Edwin 
Davis, who was himself also an invalid. To Mr. Davis he con- 



640 COEPORAL ALBERT C. SMITH. 

fided several messages to his wife; but before Mr. D. reached 
Albany, he was called away from time into eternity. 

When Mr. Smith last wrote to his wife, he seemed to be very 
cheerful, and spoke with great joy of once more seeing his 
^^Pl^ home. At the close of the letter he very afiectionately 
commended her to the care of our Heavenly Father, and said 
that his prayer was that God would permit them to meet again. 
As both husband and wife were the disciples of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, they will meet where they part no more. 



COEPOEAL EOBEET H. CAMEEON, 641 



LXXXII. 

COrvPORAL ROBERT H. CAMERON. 

Robert II. Caimeron, son of JoiixV and Mary I. Cajmeron, was 
born in Belt'a.st, Ireland, July 2. 1837, and came to this country 
at the age of tAvo years. In his j^outh, he was remarkaljle for 
his frank and truthful disposition. Gentle and affectionate in his 
nature, he was constantly seeking o})p()rtunities for the perform- 
ance of some of those little offices of kindness, which makes our 
daily life so pleasant. Although never having made a public 
profession of religion, yet he had the most exalted opinion of the 
worth of Christianity, and would not suffer it to be spoken lightly 
of in his presence. If he could not change the subject, he would 
withdraw from the company, and would not ever give such con- 
versation the sanction of his presence. 

Possessing business capacities of a very high order, life opened 
upon him with very ffattering prospects. But when the tocsin 
of war sounded through the land, and called for those who were 
willino- to sacrifice all for their country, Roi5ert was found among 
the foremost. He was read}- to give up his business prospects, 
to sunder the ties which bound him to a home he highly prized, 
and to his wife and child, who were as dear to him as life itself. 
We can realize something of the sacrifice he made. His motto 
was, " my country first," and for the time his country became 
mother, wife and child to him. 

Enlisting in April, 1861, as private in Company A, Hawkins' 
Zouaves, he arrived with them June 8th at Newport News, then 
in part occupied by the rebels. Here his company had their full 
share of the lonely picket guard duty, and the long weary 
marches. While there, they suffered a great deal from the bad 
quality of the food, and the insufficiency of shelter provided for 

41 



642 COErOEAL eobeet h. cameeox. 

them, for avc then were in our infaney in all matters whieh per- 
tained to war. 

Writing frt)m Newport Ncavs, of a very narrow escape from 
capture, he says: 

"Last evening about nine o'clock, our company was ordered 
out on a scouting expedition. We marched through woods all 
night, and in the morning found ourselves but a very short dis- 
tance from the enemy's camp. We continued to march very 
cautiously until we suddenly came upon the enemy's picket 
guard, when they sounded the alarm, and a large body of infantry 
and cavalry immediately started in pursuit of us. The order was 
given to retreat, and we immediatel}^ made the best time possi- 
ble for a piece of Avoods a short distance in our rear, and suc- 
ceeded in reaching it, when each one of us posted ourselves 
behind trees, determined to sell our lives as dearly as possible. 
We all thought our time had come; but the enemy, instead of 
engaging us, seemed determined to capture the whole company. 
They divided themselves into two parties to cut ofl' our retreat; 
hut instead of returning by any of the roads, we made our way 
through the woods until we came to the river. AVhen the enemy 
found we had taken this route, they endeavored to prevent our 
effecting this, l)ut we were too soon for them, and succeeded in 
reaching camp without losing a single man. We were almost 
dead, however, from fatigue. 

" Some of the men were ready to give up, and wante^ to lie 
down; and they had to be almost carried along, to prevent their 
being captured by the enemy. 

After our return from this expedition, another company of our 
regiment being ordered on a similar scout, were attacked by the 
rebels, and after a sharp fight in which they lost their Colonel 
and eight privates, our boys succeeded in reaching camp safely." 

While at Newport Ncavs at a general inspection, Robeet was 
offered his discharge on account of defective sight, but he 
refused to receive it, saying to those who offered it, " when I 
joined the regiment I joined them to stay with them, and I shall 
not leave them while the war lasts, if I am able to remain. I 



CORPORAL ROBERT H. CAMERON. 643 

should be nshamed to be seen in the streets of Albany at this 
time, when the country needs every man so nuich." 

From Newport News the regiment went to Ilatteras Inlet, 
where the real sulierings of the regiment began. Provided with 
tents which formed no real protection against the rain storms of 
that section, and at the most inch>ment season of the year, when 
the miasma arising from the k)w swampy lands upon which they 
M'cre encamped, sent fever through the system with every 
l)reath they drew, sickness soon began to show itself in the regi- 
meut. Often after lying down at night, they would l)e roused 
by the water flowing all around them, and they would be obliged 
to move their tents and seek some drier spot; and sometimes 
this would be repeated in the course of the night. This expos- 
ure, added to their long and severe marches, soon wore out a 
constitution not naturally very strong, and forced Mr. Ca.^ierox 
to the hospital, from which very few who entered it with this 
fever, ever came forth alive. 

Writing to his wife from Ilatteras very soon after his arrival 
there, he said, " I am well as yet, and have to be thankful in 
being able to say that; for around me on every hand, are lying 
comrades notal)le to leave their tents, and many of them scarcely 
expecting to leave them alive. Even uoav as I write, I hear the 
solemn notes of the dead march wailed out, as some company 
marches past with the remains of a dead comrade for interment. 
Now that the cold season is but just commencing, I fear that 
many more will follow him unJess we are speedily ordered from 
this place. You will better understand why it is so unhealthy, 
wdien I tell you, that every heavy rain we have, entirely Hoods 
this part of the island on which we are quartered, sometimes driv- 
ing us entirely out of our tents, to seek protection on the highest 
part of the island. So far, I have escaped, while many with 
apparently stronger constitutions have been taken sick and died; 
but we have some hopes of leaving here soon." 

That order did not come in time to save him. lie soon sick- 
ened, and lingering l)ut a short time, died. During his sickness, 
he begged of his comrades not to write to his mother. He said, 
"I shall be around again in a few days, and then I will Avrite and 



644 CORPORAL ROBERT H, CAMERON. 

tell them I have been sick." So careful was he, lest he should 
cause her any unnecessary anxiety. But his comrades, seeing 
that his recovery was impossible, wrote to his mother, who imme- 
diately started for Hatteras, that she might give him a mother's 
care in his sickuess. But the sunnnons reached her too late. 
When she arrived there she found him dead and luiried. He 
had received his final discharge. 

His companions, to whom he was sincerely attached, mourned 
his loss as that of a l)rother. 

Col. Hawkins, writing to Robert's mother after his death, says, 
"He was universally mourned in the regiment. From the high- 
est officer to the lowest private, each one felt that in Robert's 
death, he had lost a friend and that there was a vacant place 
made, which could not be easily tilled." 

A member of his own company in speaking of him said, "I 
will say, that, in his departure from this life, the members of 
Company A lost one of their best friends. He was loved and 
respected b}" all. AVith his Captain he was an especial favorite. 
There was something in his manner and appearance which com- 
manded respect, and he could have an order o])eyed at any time, 
without any grumbling on the part of the men. I shall never 
forget the appearance of the men as they took the last look of 
poor Cameron. Turning away from the dead lace of their com- 
rade, they could not restrain their grief. The tears and Ijroken 
sobs, told what a loss they had sustained." 

About a week after he was buried, his mother, who in feeble 
health, had made the journey from Albany alone, arrived. 
Her intense o-rief at findino; her dear son dead and buried, can 
•oe more easily imagined than described. She found, however, 
many sympathizing hearts among the brave and noble soldiers 
of our army. She had the precious remains disinterred and 
brought home, and they now rest in our beautiful cemetery, 
with the many other heroes of the war. 



CORPORAL JAMES YOUNG. ' 645 



LXXXIII. 

CORPORAL JAMES YOUNG. 

James Young left the city of Albany in Company F. of the 
Forty-fonrth Regiment. He was a cheerfnl and active yonng 
inan, and Avas noted for his sivill as a boatman, and in many athletic 
sports. He was the life of his company in the Ijarracks and the 
camp, and had a most happy inflnence upon all his associates. 

On the morning of the 27th of May, 1862, while on a march 
from the camp, he rebuked some who were complaining of their 
hardships, in the following language: "Come, let's have no 
grumbling; we came out here as soldiers, let us act like soldiers." 
That day, soon after the l)attle of Hanover Court House com- 
menced, he was struck, hy a l)all, in the leg, making what would 
be considered a serious wound by less courageous men. He 
stooped, examined it, and said that was not much of a hurt. He 
had scarcely straightened himself up, having loaded his piece, 
and was in the act of tiring it, when a second l)all struck him 
in the neck, killing him instantly. Pie was buried on the battle 
lield. 



646 CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWIS. 



LXXXIY. 
CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWLS. 

The subject of this sketch Avas the son of Thomas and N^vxcy 
Lewis, and Avas born August 4, 1844. He received a Christian 
education, and Avas distinouished for his excellent moral character 
and for the good influence that he exerted over others. 

He enlisted October 14, 18(51, and was connected Avith com- 
pany F, Thiid NeAv York Regiment. He served his country 
Avith great faithfulness and bravery, until July 17, 1863, when he 
died of typhoid fever in Hampton Hospital, Virginia. 

The foUoAAing resolutions and letter, give us a vicAV of his 
character and services: 

At a meeting of the members of F Company, Third Regiment 
Infontry Ncav York Volunteers, held at Camp Alford, near Ports- 
mouth, Virginia, the folloAving preamble and resolutions Avere 
unani monsly adopte d : 

Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe 
to remove, by the hand of death, our esteemed and beloved 
comrade, Corporal Alonzo E. Lewis, and, 

Whereas, We have ahvays found him, during his stay with us, 
a sincere friend and true patriot, as Avell as a brave and gallant 
soldier, therefore, 

Resolved, That, in the death of Corporal Alonzo E. Leaa^is, 
Ave are called upon to sustain the loss of a dear friend and brother 
.soldier; one Avho has ahvays commanded our admiration for his 
abilities and integrity as a soldier, and our esteem as a gentleman, 
for the uniform courtesy which marked his intercourse with all. 

Resolved, That, Avhile Ave deeply deplore his early death, Ave 
sympathize sincerely Avith his bereaved family, and Ave shall long 



CORPORAL ALOXZO E. LEWIS 647 

cherish the foiul recollection of his many acts of kindness when 
livinjj. 

Resolved, That, as soon as practicable, we, as a company, will 
entleavor to have his remains sent to his family, that they may 
inter them by the side of those loved ones who liave gone before 
him. 

Resolved, That the above preamble and resolntions l)e pnb- 
lished in the "Albany Evenino- Jonrnal " and "Albany Times," 
and that a copy be transmitted to the faniil}' of the deceased. 

THOMAS C. FLYNN, 

JAMES McCaffrey, 

O. II. VAN VALEN, 
W. 11. H. KEARNS. 
Richard V. Lewis, Sec'y. 

Camp Alford, Va., July 26, 1863. 

Dear ]Madam — As commanding officer of F Company, Second 
Infantry New York Volnnteers, with which yonr son, Corporal 
ALo^v>o E. Leavis, was connected, I trnst you will allow^ me to 
bear testimony to his amiability, gentlemanly manners, and hioh 
toned principles as a man; to his faithfnlnsss, constant attention 
to dnty, and ol)cdience as a soldier; and to offer, witk his com- 
rades, my sincere sympathy in this time of yonr sudden and 
severe bereavement. 

During our expedition, when we Avere encamped at YorktoAvn, 
I first noticed the illness of your son, and m'ged him, in strong 
terms, to go back in company Avith others Avho Avere sent at that 
time. But h^s courage Avas greater than his strength, and conse- 
quently he accompanied his company as far as the White House, 
Avhen the Doctor found it absolutely necessary to dispose of his 
case at once. I regret that, being on the march, it A\^as impossi- 
ble for me to do more for him in person. As it Avas, I saAV him 
placed under the care of a skillful physician at the earliest pos- 
sible moment. 

So far as his pay noAv due is concerned, I Avill draAV it myself, 
if possil)le, and send it to you liy express. If the Paymaster 
refuses to put me in charge of it, I Avill acquaint you at once 



648 coRroRAL alonzo e. lewis. 

with the proper means of obtaining it yourself. All his effects 
will be forwarded to you at once, if such is your desire. 

And now, my dear Madam, though the consolation offered by 
strangers may be, to a mother's wounded heart, l)ut small indeed, 
yet be assured that there are many here who share with you this 
deep grief. For myself, I can say that during my association 
with him as a private soldier, I found him a firm friend and an 
honorable man, and that I mourn his loss the more because so 
few have so successfully resisted the contaminating influences of 
a military life. 

Should you find it necessary to ask any items of information, my 
address, for the present, is: Camp Alford, near Portsmouth, Va. 
Very respectfully, &c., F. A. SMITH, 

2d Lieut. Com'd'g F Co., 2d JST. Y. V. 

Mrs. Nancy Lewis. 



CORrOEAL WILLLm 11. MOON. 649 



lllIY. 
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. MOON. 

WiLLiAiM H. Moon, the only son of Richard and Anna Maria 
Moon, was born at Albany on the 22d June, 1844. 

The most marked traits of his character, during boyhood and 
youth, were docility and obedience to his parents, united with 
tenacity of purpose. 

He was a member of the Sabbath school of the Second Re- 
formed Dutch Church, where, by his correct deportment and 
amial)le qualities, he won the regard both of his teachers and 
fellow scholars. From an early age until the time of his enlist- 
ment, he was a regular and punctual attendant at that school; and 
in the only furlough he enjoyed during a connection with the 
army of over three years, he showed his attachment by repeat- 
edly visiting his old class. He was also constant in his attend- 
ance at church, of which his parents were members. 

At the age of fourteen years, he united himself with the 
Albany Division No. 4 of the order of Son.s of Temperance. To 
his oliligations as a member of this society he was always faith- 
ful, resisting the numerous temptations which assail a young 
man in the city or a soldier in the army, to indulge in spirituous 
drinks. 

William had, from boyhood, a strong inclination to military 
pursuits. He was at one time desirous of entering the military 
school at West Point, and took some steps toAvard procuring an 
appointment, but was not successful. 

From the first outbreak of the war he was, although then a 
mere boy, (less than seventeen years of age,) and by no means 
of robust frame, very anxious to become a soldier. On the 
return of a brother-in-law, who went from Albany on the first 



650 CORrORAL WILLIAM H. MOON. 

three months' term of the Twenty-lifth Eegimcnt, his ardor was 
freshly excited. He plied his mother with solicitations to allow 
him to enlist. He would say: "I am no better than others, 
who are the only sons of their parents. Ellsworth was an 
only son," and he urged that it would be no harder for his 
mother to spare him, than it had been for Ellsworth's parents. 
While thus earnest in his purpose to serve his country, he yet 
expressed his intention not to go to the war, unless his father 
and mother consented. At length, one day as he was persuading 
his mother, she said to him: " Well go, my son, and God be 
with you." 

This point gained, he immediately^ went to his father, at his 
place of business, to get his acquiescence. The latter reminded 
him of the hardships and dangers which must be endured, and 
asked him if he could bear it all. He replied tliat he could, and 
the long looked for consent was granted. 

He enlisted on the 10th of August, 1861, in Compan}- A, 
Forty-third Regiment, organized by Capt. John Wilson (after- 
wards Colonel), wdiose excellent character had great weight in 
inducing Mr. and Mrs. Moon to put their son under his care. 

The officers bore testimony to William's good qualities. But 
his letters to his friends show his unfliuchino- determination to 
do his duty as a soldier, in spite of all hardships, privations and 
dangers. . 

He was connected, throughout his whole term of service, Avith 
the Army of the Potomac, and was a member of the illustrious 
Sixth Corps. He w\as in almost every battle of note, in which 
that army w^as engaged: Yorktown, Williamsl)urg, the seven days' 
battles on the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Sec- 
ond Bull Euu, Antietam, etc., etc. It is remarkable that in 
describing these battles, he never utters a murmur or a fear. On 
one occasion, at the charge of the rebel forces on Fort Stevens, 
near Washington, which the Sixth Corps repelled, he was struck 
by a bullet, Avhich passed through his pocket, carrying away a 
part of his wallet, but doing him no personal injury. In writing 
home of this incident, he expresses his gratitude to God for his 
deliverance. 



CORPOUAL WILLIAM H. MOON. 651; 

As before stated, only once during the three years of his sol- 
dier life, did he leave the army. This was at the expiration of 
his tirst term of service, Avheii he re-enlisted in the same corn- 
pan}' for three years longer. lie was now promoted to the posi- 
tion of Corporal. 

His last battle was on the severely fought and gloriously Avon 
field of Winchester, Se})tember 19, 1864. He was struck in the 
head by a shell Avhich killed him instantly. His company were 
at the time, by order of their commanding officer, lying doAvn, 
and a comrade near him states that he thought that perhaps Wil- 
liam had fallen asleep. But it was the sleep of death. 

This same friend buried him on the field near the fatal spot, 
marking his grave. His remains were afterwards removed and 
brought to Alban}', and interred in the Rural Cemetery. 



652 COEPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING. 



LXXXVI. 

CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING, 

OF WATERVLIET. 

Among tlie noble band of yonng men who left their home, in 
Albany county, for the battle liekl, there are few more deserving 
of commemorative eulogy tlian Robert Burnett Darling. 

Combining energy and perseverance in whatever he undertook, 
with high moral qualities, he endeared himself to a large circle 
of friends. His promptness and zeal in the discharge of his 
religious duties have rendered his memory precious in the church 
of God. 

From his childhood Robert evinced a keenness of moral sen- 
sibility. Especially was this apparent in his solemn regard for 
the truth. His abhorrence of falsehood, in every form, was a 
marked feature in his character. His brief history furnishes but 
few materials for a biographical sketch. He was born January 
24, 1836, in Westford, Otsego county. New York. His father, 
Mr. John Darling, is the proprietor and cultivator of a farm 
located at Newtonville, town of Watervliet, Albany county. His 
mother's name is Mrs. Eliza Myers Darling. To this estiinaljle 
lady Robert was indebted, for many of those excellencies of 
character, which were so happily developed in subsequent man- 
hood. 

It was intended by his parents, as he advanced toward maturity, 
that he should aid his father in the cultivation of his farm. But 
his frequently expressed desire for an education, and the indica- 
tions of more than usual powers of mind, induced them to place 
him at an academy, located at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, under 
the direction of Professor Raymond. 

Wliile prosecuting his studies there, he ])ecame the subject of 



i 



CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING. 653 

renewing grace. There was, at this time, a revival of religion 
in tile village, and many of the pnpils were brought to a saving 
knowledge of the trnth. Into this work of mercy, young Dar- 
ling entered Avitli all the force of his earnest nature. His con- 
victions were pungent, and his joy and faith correspondingly 
elevated. 

He was baptized, at Newtonville, on the first Sal)bath of July, 
1854. He entered at once and devotedly into the works of 
faith and la1)ors of love, to which, by his profession he had been 
sacredly consecrated. Upon the prayer meetings of the church, 
he was a constant attendant, and never did he hesitate to take a 
part in prayer with his brethren. His labors as a Sunday school 
teacher Avere earnest and successful. 

Having completed his academic studies at Wil]>raham, he 
returned to the farm, and again engaged in aiding his father in 
the labors of the field. But his earnest desire for knowledge 
induced him, with the consent of his parents, to enter the Normal 
school, in the city of Allmiiy, then under the charge of Professor 
Cochran. In that institution he prosecuted his studies during 
thi"ee terms, and graduated with the confidence and esteem of 
both his teachers and fellow students. 

It is somewhat remarkable that a disposition so amial)le and so 
full of kind and generous feeling should ever have cherished 
the least inclination for the clash of arms, and the perils and 
hardships of war. But Kobert dearly loved his country and 
felt deeply indignant at the wrongs inflicted upon her, and the 
contemptuous insults poured upon her flag. When Professor 
Kimball, who had been his teacher in the Normal School, pro- 
posed to organize a company for the United States service, a 
numl)er of his pupils engaged to follow him to the field. Young 
Darling united with them, and enlisted in the service of the 
United States on the 14th of August, 1862, in Company E, 
Forty-fourth Regiment. Thus the beloved preceptor, who had 
led them in the paths of knowledge, was now to lead them into 
scenes of peril and sanguinary conflict. 

Robert took an active part in all the battles in which his regi- 
ment was engaged, with the exception of Gettysburg. While 



654 . CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING. 

that sanguiriary strugule Avas in progress, he was upon the sick 
list, and conhned to the hospital. In every battle, he manifested 
a conrage. steadiness and soldierly bearing, that won for him the 
coniidence of the officers and men. 

But he was also a soldier of the cross. Amid the stirrinjr 
events of the war, the deprivations of the camp, and perils by 
which he Avas surrounded, he ever bore with him the love of 
Jesus in his heart, and found in Him a blessed source of strength 
and consolation. He originated and attended the prayer meet- 
ings of his company', encouraging the hearts of his comrades to 
the exercise of a holy faith. As opportunity was offered him he 
stood, a servant of Christ, by the bedside of the sick, and into 
the ears of the dying whispered the words of consolation and 
hope. His presence was ever hailed with pleasure, because he 
everywhere diifused around him the sweet spirit of a sincere 
Christian. He was repeatedly urged to accept of a chaplaincy. 
His pastor was especially desirous that he should occupy- this 
position, for the duties of which he appears to have been emi- 
nently qualified. But this office he steadfastly declined. His 
modest estimation of himself made him shrink from the responsi- 
bilities it involved. Indeed, he refused promotion to any rank, 
and to the solicitations of his pastor he replied: "No, I have 
enlisted in the ranks, and in that position intend to light through 
the war." At the earnest and repeated solicitation, however, of 
his company, he accepted the post of Corporal, but no considera- 
tion could induce him to take any higher office. 

His death occurred on the li*th of June, 1864. On the mor- 
ning of that day he was in the trenches directly opposite Peters- 
burg, and in near proximity to the enemy. Having raised his 
head above the l^ank, a bullet from the rifle of a rel^el sharp- 
shooter, sent with unerring aim. struck him immediately above 
the left eye, penetrating the brain. The l)low was mortal. He 
fell and instantly expired without uttering a word, nor did a sigh 
or groan pass his lips. 

His remains were interred by his comrades near the Norfolk 
and Petersburg railroad, and although his grave had been care- 



CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING. 655 

fully marked with his name, company and regiment placed at the 
head, his bereaved friends have sought for him in vain. 

Thus passed away a nseful and very lovely life. A painful 
bereavement, indeed, to those who are more immediately con- 
nected with him. But there is light amid the gloom, and a sweet 
solace to their sorrows. They have the precious consolation, 
which the gospel affords, that IvObert now rests not only from 
the alarms of war, Ijut from all the trials and sorrows of earth, in 
the bosom of his covenant God. 

'• Cl)ami>ion of Jesus, man of God, 

Servant of Christ, well done. 
Thy i)ath of thorns hath now been trod, 

Thy red cross crown it won. 

'' Champion of Jesus, on that breast. 

From whence thy fervor flowed, 
Thou hast obtained eternal rest, 

The bosom of thy God." 



656 CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG. 



LXXXYII. 

CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG, 

OF GUILDERLAIMD. 

Philip Van Denburg, son of Teunis and Maria Van Denburg, 
was born in the town of New ^Scotland, Albany county, March 
13, 1841. His early life Avas not marked with anything of more 
than ordinary interest. As a son and l^rother, he was very aflec- 
tionate, kind and self-denying. He was modest in his deport- 
ment, and loved retirement. 

In childhood, he had no fondness for books, l)ut at the age of 
fifteen, through the etlbrts of an excellent teacher, he became 
interested in his studies, and soon loved them. Early in the 
moniino- and late at night he was found devotino- himself with 
enthusiasm to the work of obtaining a thorough and complete 
education, and very soon he surpassed some who had been his 
superiors in study. 

At the age of seventeen, through the influence of his elder 
brother, he was converted to Christ, in the town of Knox, and 
soon after united with the M. E. Church, of which his parents 
and three sisters were members. 

As a Christian, he was devoted to his Master, and patient and 
forbearinof under severe trials. Living in a neighborhood where 
true Christians were few, his only counselors were his parents, 
his brother and sisters; and his Bible, which was his daily com- 
panion. Often would he be found in his room, upon his knees, 
readinir the words of life. Once he remarked to his sister: " The 
Avord to me is made plainer Avhen I read it thus." 

After his conversion, his desire for knowledge increased, and 
durino- the winter months he devoted all his leisure hours to 



CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG. G57 

study. During the other seasons he was obliged to hibor on his 
father's farm. 

He taught one year, when his health failed, and he could 
neither study nor labor. In a letter to his brother at that time 
he says: 

" I dare not study much now, yet nothing would suit me l)etter 
than to l)e with my books all day. I ha.ve thought strongly of 
enlisting in the army, but mother and father will not hear of it in 
my present state of health; but I think it would be for my good. 
I am certainly not good for nuich here, and in the army I might 
])e useful. If I am killed. I shall only go home to Jesus. I 
should not think of going to the war if I had no iiope in God, for 
without religion I should make a poor soldier. But I believe I 
am ready to face death for our country, and who should l)e ready 
to o'o if not Christians. I shudder when I think of men j>oino: to 
])attle without a hope of Heaven. I can scarcely keep easy when 
I think of it, so great is my desire to go. If it were not for 
mother's entreaties, I believe I should in spite of all other obsta- 
cles. For this I am thankful, that I can pray for my country if 
I inay not tight for her, and perhaps I can do more l)y prayer 
than with a gun or sword. I mean to try, anyway." 

This was at the time of the first call for volunteers. Soon 
after he spoke to his physician about enlisting in the army, and 
l)eing told that a soldier's life might benefit him, he could be 
detained no longer, and he immediately joined a company which 
was. being raised in the town of New Scotland, by hi.s uncle, Capt. 
Crouxse. This was in July, 1861, Before enlisting, he wrote 
to his parents, asking their consent and advice. And as if fear- 
ing opposition, he says, " you ought not to oppose me, when 
ministers are bidding their sons ' God speed.' I feel it to l)e 
my duty, and I know that I am i)reparcd for all that may come; 
even for death. It will, indeed, be hard to part with you all, 
but that time must come sooner or later. It will be less pain- 
ful as we knoAV that we shall meet in Heaven, if never again on 
this earth." 

On one occasion, while in conversation with his molher, who 
was trying to prepare his mind for the realities of the battle-field, 

42 



658 coEroEAL piiilip y^vjs" denbueg. 

and said it was a dreadful place in which to die, he said, " I will 
not mind it at all it' I only have an opportunity to pray before 
entering ))attle;" and to his sister he said, " there is nothing in 
this so hard, as for me to say, good-l)ye to mother." Yet when 
the hour came he said it bravely as a soldier, and spoke encour- 
ao'ino-ly of coming home afrain. But his fond home where he was 
greatly beloved, he was never permitted to see again. Just 
before entering the army he sent his mother the following lines: 

PARTING REQUEST. 

Dear niotlier, now the time lias come 

For me to go to war, 
To part witli dearest friends and /lome, 

Perhaps to meet no more. 
Bnt when I've left you all so dear, 

And I am far away 
Exposed to wiles of wicked men, 

Then, mother, for me pray. 
And when upon the battle field 

'Mid cannon's deafening roar, 
And bullets flying thick and fast 

The earth with dead strewn o'er; 
When those dread sights shall daunt my heart 

And my arm begins to stay 
From striking for my country's flag, 

Oh, mother, for me pray. 
I would nerve my soul for greater deeds, 

And drive my fears away. 
To know my mother ceased to mourn. 

But never ceased to pray. 
And should I live, we'll meet again. 

When war has passed away, 
Oh ! then you'll know that God doth hear, 

Jlnd answer those who pray. 
But if we never meet again. 

While in this house of clay, 
"We'll surely meet when Jesus comes 

To take His own, who pray. 

He was sworn in the service of the United States on the 30th 
of September, 1861, as Corporal of Company D, Ninety-first 
Regiment. He never was in battle,' although he desired to be, 
and seemed impatient because his company was not sent forward 



CORPORAL RHILIP VAN DENBUEG. 659 

into action. In a letter to his sister he fmys, " I am tired of this 
lying still, and long for action; I hope we shall soon be removed 
where we will have some lighting to do, for I am fully well 
drilled now, and believe 1 could do my part in a skirmish with 
the rebels; yet 1 would rather they would see their mistake, and 
lay down their arms. But that they do not seem inclined to do, 
therefore we must fight, and I am anxious to do my share." He 
never uttered u complaint in any way, but rather presented the 
bright side of everything, especially when writing to his parents 
or sisters. 

After fjiithfully serving his country, he was taken sick with 
typhoid fever. So rapid was his disease that in six days he 
died at Key West, Florida, April 20, 1862. He was buried 
there, having a soldier's funeral. A comrade, who lived to 
return home, told his sister that he never knew a person so uni- 
versally esteemed as Philip was, and that there was scarcely a dry 
eye in the regiment, when he was buried. 

Another member of the regiment but not of his company, was 
speaking of him to his aunt, not knowing she was his relative, 
and said, " Tliere was one young man died at Key West whose 
loss was deeply felt. He was beloved by all. A truer, braver, 
soldier never entered the ranks, and a better christian never 
lived. He was always on duty, and ever ready to do his part at 
all times and in every place. A more patriotic young man I 
never saw." 

Another, in writing to a friend speaks thus of Philip, "We 
have been called to-day to the painful task of laying beneath the 
sod one of our very best men. He was sick but a few days, and 
I Avas with him when he died. He was delirious, until a few 
hours before he died when he seemed to be communinsf with 
his God. He sang a hymn through with a Ijeautiful clear voice. 
A smile then lighted up his face, and a few moments after he 
expired. I believe he has gone to his better home. 

" We all feel his loss deeply, and shall miss him much. He was 
one who conversed but little, and never Inn-dened others with 
his troubles ; but kept them within his own breast ; so that few 
knew what he suffered." 



660 CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG. 

Captain Crounse writes thus in apprising his friends of his 
decease : 

Key West, Florida, May 1, 1862. 
Teunis Van Denburg and family: 

Dear Friends — I take this opportimity to give yon the sad 
news, that Corporal Philip Vandenburg is no more. He died 
on the 29th of April, in the hospital. He was taken with the 
typhoid fever, and died in six days from the time he was taken. 
He was first put in the regimental hospital, and soon aftei 
removed to the general hospital, which is one mile distant. 

I did not see him from the time he was taken until he died 
I was very l)usy and could not go to see him. Nor did I suppose 
him to be dangerously ill. I sent one of his comrades to see 
him two days before he died. He said he was pretty sick, but 
did not think him dangerous. I had him Ijuried with funeral 
honors, covering his cofhn with the flag of his country; and ser- 
vices were held at the grave. 

When we first came to this place, he was sick for near three 
weeks, but recovered, and seemed to be healthy again. I never 
saw him apparently so well as before he was taken sick. 

Dear friends, 3^ou have my sympathy, knowing this will be 
sad news to you all. Philip was loved by all in the company, 
and I never have heard any ill of him since he has been with 

11 Q * * ^ * 

Yours in sympathy, 

CAPTAIN H. CROUNSE. 



CORPORAL MARTIN SITTERLY. 661 



LXXXVIII. 

CORPORAL MARTIN SITTERLY, 

OF GUILDERLAND. 

Martin Sitterly was ])orii March 29, 1.S38. He enlisted in 
the Fortj^-fourth Regiment for three j^ears, August 8, 1861, and 
was killed at Ilanover Court House, May 29, 1862. 

All the information that Ave hav-e received concerning him, 
after his enlistment, is contained in the following letters to his 
mother, and a letter from Lieutenant Rorerts, and a short notice 
taken from a Rochester paper : 

Camp before Yorktown, Va., May 3, 1862. 
Dear Mother — As my time will allow me to write a few lines 
this pleasant morning, I do so with much pleasure, knowing as 
I do, that you like to hear from me often. To begin, my health 
is as good as I could possibly expect; for, as I have written 
before, we are laboring under a great many disadvantages. But 
the hardships we endure seem light as long as one has good 
health. There is a great deal of sickness in this regiment at 
jjresent, but we all hope it will disappear soon. Jesse White 
and I have made up our minds to stand together as long as life 
lasts, and you need not feel worried about us. \^^e are making 
our works here as formidable as possible, but the rebels have 
annoyed us a great deal for the last forty-eight hours, and we 
do not get much sleep. We do heavy fatigue duty in the 
daytime, and at nights we go out and help support the field bat- 
teries. We lie on the ground all night witnessing the heavy 
shells, thrown by, and bursting inside of our entrenchments. 
* * * * Write soon and often to, 

Your obedient and affectionate son, 

MARTIN. 



G62 coEroRAL maktin sittp:ely. 

Head Quaeters, Forty-fourth Regiment, N. Y. S. V., 
Camp before Eiciimoxd, Va., j\Jay 22, 1862. 

Dour Mother — We are on the inarch, and have been for the 
last three days, and such warm weather I never experienced 
l)ef()re. Jesse and I are enjoyhig the best of health on this 
long and hard march; although Jesse came pretty near, yes- 
terday, giving out of the ranks on the road, and would have 
done so if we had marched half a mile further. As for myself, 
they can't tire me out, if my health is only good. This, indeed, 
is my only hope of seeing home again. When one can sleep on 
the cold ground, with only a thin blanket under him and one 
over him and take comfort, yon would naturally think that we 
must be hardy. The heaviest of our marching is over, for w^e 
are within a few miles of the rebel capital. AVitliin two or three 
miles of us there are one hundred and eighty thousand secesh 
troops, and they will give us warm work, I apprehend, when we 
attack them. The country through which we have been march- 
ing is the finest I ever saw. The wheat is all headed out, straw- 
berries are ripe, clover in bloAV, and the cherries almost full 
grown. If the weather Avas not quite so warm our marching 
would be very pleasant. Love to all. 

Your affectionate 

MARTIN. 

His character and the circumstances of his death are given in 
the follow] no; letter and notice of the Ijattle in which he fell: 

Camp near Neavbridge, Va., May 30, 1862. 
Mr. Sitterly: 

Dear Sir — It is Avith feelino;s of the greatest sorroAV that I 
communicate to 3^0 u the sad news of the death of your son 
Martin. Since he became a member of this company his bear- 
ing has been such as to enable me to place every confidence iu 
him, and to rest Avith satisfaction over any duty allotted to him. 
In the engagement, he stood by me until death claimed him. 
He fell in the front of tlu; battle. To you as a father, I can only 



CORPORAL MARTIN SITTERLY. 663 

say your son nolily performed his duty, and died Avitli his confi- 
dence and hope in God. 

I offer you my warmest sympathy, and pray Heaven to sustain 
you and yours under this great trial. In his death I lose a good 
faithful soldier and friend. 

I beg leave to remain yours, 

Lieut. McROBERTS. 

" Macaulc}'," the army correspondent of the " Rochester Demo- 
crat," thus speaks of Martin Sitterly of Guilderland, who fell 
at the battle of Hanover Court House: 

"The engagement soon l)ecame general. The Forty-fourth 
bore the brunt of the l)attle, and had a man flinched all would 
have been lost. We were badly cut up; sixty wounded and 
twenty killed. Among the latter was the gallant Martin Sit- 
terly, Corporal of Co. C, Forty-fourth Regiment; a man of noble 
oize, vigorous, patient and resolute; a born .soldier. He was Avorth 
a score of common men. He fell, as I thought he would, in the 
first action in which he was eno^ag-ed. 



664 CORPORAL LEWIS W. QUAY. 



LXXXIX. 

CORPORAL LEWIS W. QUAY, 

OF KNOX. 

Lewis W. Quay, son of Daniel and Anna B. Quay, was born 
in the town of Knox, All)any Connty, on the 30th of November, 
184L 

He was a member of the Sabbath school connected with the 
Lntheran Church in Knox. 

Patriotism induced him to enlist in his country's service, and 
he joined the Seventh Heavy Artillery, Co. K, on the 6th day 
of August, 1862. 

He was in no engagements, his regiment being stationed at 
Fort Reno, D. C, at which place he died of typhoid fever, on 
the 26th day of July, 1863. 

Previous to his going into the army he was not a professor of 
religion; but he wrote several letters to his mother w^hich indica- 
ted his readiness to die, and his earnest desire to meet his dear 
mother in Heaven. 

His remains W'cre brought home and he was buried at Knox, 
April 1st, 1862. 



CORPORAL ISAAC J. ROACH. 665 



xc. 

CORPORAL ISAAC J. ROACH, 

OF KNOX 

Isaac J. Roacii, was the son of John and Phebe Roach, and 
was born in Knox, Augnst 27th, 1837. 

"When a child, he Avas remarkable for his kind and oblio;injj 
disposition, and was very fond of relieving the wants of the poor. 
Early in life he became hopefully converted, and united with 
the Methodist church in the town of Knox. When the war 
broke out he felt a great anxiety to have the union of the United 
States preserved, and he thought that the Government needed 
his services more than they were needed at home. 

Like most of the noble men whose careers we have sketched, 
he received, on enlisting, no bounty money, but was influenced 
by the purest patriotism. 

He joined Co. F, Forty-fourth Ncav York Regiment, in August 
1861, and his military life was very brief. While at Camp But- 
terfield. Hall's Hill, Virginia, he was taken with the typhoid 
fever, and died Dec. 29, 1861. His remains Avere brought home 
to Knox and buried. 

The two following letters Avere received, addressed to his 
brother, which furnish all the information that I have been able 
to obtain concerning his last hours. 

Camp Butterfield, Jan. 29, 1862. 
Mr. Robert D. Roach: 

Dear Sir — Your kind note, dated January 7th, is at hand. It 
appears that you and m^-self ha\^e alike been sick, and are both 
recovering. Would to God that your brother, Avho was my best 
friend, had also been preserved. But I think, judging from 



666 COEPORAL ISAAC J. EOACH. 

what I have seen of him, that he is happier now than when 
among us. 

He was with us some two weeks previous to his going to the 
hospital, after he was taken sick. He was taken to the hospital 
on Friday, and on Sunday I was taken down with a fever, and 
confined to my tent. After he entered the hospital, he appeared 
to grow better. In fact, so much so, that he talked of coming 
over to see us in camp. But, alas! he never came. He soon 
grew rapidly worse, until death ended his sufferings. 

How gladly would I have l)een with him more than I was, 
that I might have administered to his wants. But I Avas not able 
to leave my tent until within a few days previous to his death. 
On the Friday previous I went over to see him. My surprise 
was great to see how changed he had become. I saw plainly the 
impress of death marked upon that noble brow. I felt that my 
esteemed friend and camp chum, he who had been my companion 
on our southern march, and who had promised to stand by me 
in the time of need, must surely die. Never shall I forget that 
meeting. He partly arose in his bed as he extended his hand to 
me, and as our hands ^vere thus grasped, he acted as though he 
would have me join him, in his heavenward journey. Owing 
to the nature of his disease, his mind wandered at times, until 
within a day or two of his death, when he became rational. He 
frequently spoke of the different members of your family, calling 
each of you by name. * * * 

Truly yours, JOHN A. EAMSEY, 

'ith Sergeant Co. F, 4:Uh Regt. 

Mr. Robert Eoacii: 

Dear Sir — You have already been informed of the much 
lamented death of your highly esteemed l)rothcr. You have 
indeed laid a costly and most precious ofl'ering on the altar of 
our much loved common country — the altar of civil and religious 
liberty. I sympathize deeply with you in the loss, and feel his 
death like the loss of a brother. His tent was close by mine, and 
he was always so kind, so brotherly, so ready to assist me when- 
ever I wanted anything done, that I shall feel his death very 



CORPORAL ISAAC J. ROACH. 667 

much. Besides, it Avas so unexpected to me, and he seemed, as 
I tliouo-ht from his apparently Angorous frame, to give such pro- 
mise of lonof life and oreat usefuhiess, that I find it hard to feel 
reconciled. And then for the last few days, he was more or less 
delirious, so that when Ave began to fear that he Avould not 
recover, there Avas no opportunity of communicating Avith him or 
he with us. 

But terril)ly painful as the trial is, it is all right. For it is 
all ()y Ilis specilic appointment and arrangement, Avho never 
made a mistake; Avho is too Avise to err, and too good to be un- 
kind; Avho loves us better than we loA'e ourselves, and who 
will cause all things to work together for good to those Avho 
love Him. 

I l)elieve, hoAvcver, that Avith him the sting of death AA^as taken 
away, and that our loss is his infinite and eternal gain. Though 
we have not in his case the evidence of death-bed religious expe- 
riences, we have, I think, Avhat is far preferable — the evidence 
of a life of piety. 

I deeply sjmpathize Avith you, and Avith his parents, and pray 
that God Avill be unto them better than sons and daughters, and 
to you a friend, that sticketh closer than a l)rother. I hope that 
neither you or they Avill ever regret sending him forth, or feel 
that he has lived in vain, or that he Avould have been spared, if 
he had remained at home. I pray you, do not regret that he 
died aAvay from home. He died not alone or unattended, and 
the Saviour Avas as near him Avliile here, as he could have been 
if he had been at home. The road to Heaven is as straight and 
short from hence as from your OAvn home. And he could not 
have died in a more glorious cause, or filled a more honored 
grave, or leave behind him a more fragrant and enduring remem- 
brance. And he being dead, speaketh, and Avill speak many 
years to come, to multitudes, and thus, I hope, like Sampson, 
accomplish more b}^ his death, than he could have done if he 
had lived to the longest period allotted to man. 

Thus did Sam. I. Mills, and Harriet Neavel, and Henry 
Martyn, and Henry Kirk White, and many others in earlier 
and later times. And Avhv should it not be so Avith him? It is 



668 CORPOEAL ISAAC J. ROACH. 

true the battle was soon over with him. But if he has fought the 
good fight, he has come off more than conqueror. 

Let us, then, each prepare to follow. And let us remember, 

" Hearts, like muffled drums, are beating 
Funeral marches to the grave." 

I may never meet you, perhaps, on earth, but I hope to meet 
}^ou where sickness and sorrow, pain and death, are felt and 
feared no more. In the mean time, please accept the sympathies 
of a stranger, but a friend, and present my sympathies to your 
greatly afflicted parents. 

Yours truly, L. H. PEASE, 

ClmiMin ^Uh JY. Y. 8. V. 
Hall's Hill, Va., Dec. 30. 



CORPORAL JOHN E. BAILEY. 669 



XCI. 

CORPORAL JOHN E BAILEY. 

John E. Bailey, Corporal of Company B, One Hnndrcd and 
Seventy-seventh Regiment, N. Y. S. V., was born in Schoharie 
county, and was the son of Hiram and Caroline Bailey. 

He received a good education in early life, and then labored 
for a time on his father's farm. Becoming tired of farmins: he 
went to Long Island, where he taught school. There he was 
married, and then returned to Schoharie county. He next 
removed to All)any, and became a clerk in the grocery store of 
Messrs. T. Lawrence & Son. Soon after settling in this city, 
he joined Company B as a private, and became a very active 
member. 

When the war broke out, his patriotism was greatly excited, 
and without l)ounty or promise of promotion, he left his wife 
and family and marched nwny with his comrades to save his 
country. His regiment arriving at Baton Rouge, La., he was 
taken sick and was not permitted to be in but one skirmish, 
where, with a few others, he withstood the onslaught of the 
rebels in vastly superior numbers, until relieved. 

At the taking of Port Hudson, he could not be restrained from 
taking a part in the action, and arose from a sick couch, and 
against the doctor's orders, marched Avith his company to partici- 
pate in its downfall. But becoming weak and exhausted, he 
fainted by the road side, and was carried back again. Upon the 
return of the regiment from Baton Rouge for home, althouo-h 
very feeble, he was taken on board the vessel, and with no care 
except such as a few of his comrades could give him, he died 
just before the regiment reached Cairo. 



G70 CORPOEAL JOHN E. BAILEY. 

There he was l)uriecl, but his remains have since l)een brought 
home, and 1)uried in the family burying ground at Schoharie 
vilhige. 

At the time he went away he was a memljcr of the Middle 
Dutch Church of Albany. In his death, his comrades mourn 
the loss of a faithful and earnest soldier; his wife, of a devoted 
husl)and; his mother, of a dutiful sou, and society, of a respected 
and useful member. 



CORPORAL ERASTUS H. HOLMES. 671 



XCII. 

CORPORAL ERASTUS HAMILTON HOLMES, 

OF WESTERLO. 

Mr. Holmes was a native of the town of Westerlo, and was the 
son of John and Sar^ui Holmes, who were connected with the 
Methodist Church. 

Influenced by a sincere and earnest desire to serve his country, 
he enlisted on the 5th of August, 1862, in Company K, Seventh 
Regiment, under the gallant Col. Lewis O. Morris. He was 
stationed with this noble officer at Fort Reno, and was afterwards 
engaged in the assault on Petersburg. His bravery carried him 
in the thickest of the light, and on the IGth of June, 1864, he 
was wounded in the hand, and was taken prisoner with many 
others. Pie was conveyed to Andersonville prison, where he, in 
common with multitudes of others, suffered everything, which the 
fiendish passions of their persecutors could heap upon them. 

When Gen. Sherman marched through Georgia, Mr. Holmes, 
Avith about fifteen hundred others, was removed to the Savannah 
prison. Here he encountered new forms of w^'etchedness and 
horror, and lingered luitil the Uth day of October, 1864, when he 
expired. 

He leaves, in entire destitution, an interesting family, consist- 
ing of his widow, Mrs. Sarah Abigail Holmes, and five little 
children. The children are all under twelve years of age. Though 
left with no other inheritance but poverty, yet as they advance 
in years they will learn to appreciate the private virtues and 
public services of their no])le father, who sufl^red and died a 
martyr for his country, and for the cause of human liberty. 



672 CORPORAL ALOXZO G. LUDDEN. 



ICill. 

CORPORAL ALONZO GROVE LUDDEN. 

OF BERN. 

The following sketch is taken from the "Lutheran Observer," 
published in Baltimore, Maryland: 

On the Kith February, 1<SG5, the angel of death entered the 
Lutheran parsonage at Bern, All)any county, New York, and 
laid his blighting hand upon the youthful form of Alonzo Grove 
LuDDEX. Alonzo was the eldest son of the Rev. A. P. and Car- 
oline LuDDEX, and Avas l)orn in Augusta coimty, Virginia, on 
2yth February, 1840, and had, therefore, attained not quite nine- 
teen years when his }oung life Avas quenched by the great 
destroyer. 

The sul)ject of this memoir Avas of a naturally amiable and 
aflectionate disposition, and, almost from infancy, exhibited a 
religious tendency. Nurtured in a Christian home, his intellect- 
ual and moi-al natures Avere, in their hrst developments, brought 
under the moulding influences of a genuine and fervid piety, as 
exhibited in the daily lives of those, to Avhose parental training 
God had comniitted him. Watched over Avith all the solicitude 
Avhich parental affection, quickened by a sense of Christian obli- 
gation always excites, he Avas early taught the great truths of our 
holy religion and Avas daily made the su])ject of earnest and 
faithful prayer. Ujuler these circumstances Ave need not Avonder, 
that the princi})les of Divine grace were very early implanted in 
his soul, and that, like Baxter, " he could not remember the 
time Avhen he did not love the Saviour." 

At the very early age of nine years, he connected himself Avith 
the Lutheran Church at Madison Court House. Va., then under 
the pastoral care of liiii father. This step Avas taken voluntarily, 



CORPORAL ALONZO G. LUDDEN. 673 

with great circumspection, and, as his conduct always afterwards 
proved, from an enlightened sense of the obligations which a 
Christian profession imposes. His piety exhibited very little of 
the emotional; it was the piety of principle, of thorough con- 
viction of duty. Hence he never seemed to act from momentary 
impulse or mere excitement; never exhibited any excesses, either 
in language or action, but was always calm and self-possessed, 
and at the same time was fervid, thoroughly conscientious and 
ever consistent. 

When only fifteen years old, he commenced to maintain the 
family altar, in the absence of his father, whose ministerial duties 
very frequently called him from home. Al)out the same time he 
became a teacher in the Sabbath school, and was also appointed 
to lead the choir in the Lutheran church at Bern. He also took 
an active part in the prayer meeting. In every position he 
seemed to realize his- responsibility, and acted with a prompti- 
tude and fidelity which indicated how deep and thorough Avere 
his convictions of duty. 

In 1864, when only sixteen and a half years old, he entered 
the army as a volunteer in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh 
Regiment New York State Volunteers. This step he did not 
take without the consent of his parents. He had made his duty 
to his country, in the present crisis, the subject of earnest prayer, 
and told his tather that he felt a conviction that he oujrht to 
volunteer his services. His regiment was ordered to join Gene- 
ral Banks in his expedition against Port Hudson, and was engaged 
in two fierce and bloody, but fruitless assaults upon that strong- 
hold of the enemy. After these repulses, General Banks called 
for one thousand volunteers to act as a storming party; they were 
known as the " one thousand stormers." When the call for these 
volunteers was made, Alonzo, with three others, stepped forward 
to represent his company. Whilst, however, this storming party 
Avas drilling for the assault, the city surrendered. 

As a soldier, as well as in private life, his virtues were equally 
conspicuous. Amidst all the temptations and corrupt influences 
of "camp life," he maintained a consistency of deportment and 
a purity of character which secured the confidence f)f his supe- 

43 



674 CORPORAL ALONZO G. LUDDEN. 

riors and the esteem of his associates. His Captain, in a letter 
to a friend, says: " I think Corporal Ludden is the most perfect 
of any representative of cool, quiet daring my eye ever saw. He, 
my dear sir, is a perfect stranger to fear. He calmly obeys 
every order, regardless of the risks it may involve. No man 
can surpass him in all the elements of a true soldier, and of a 
consistent Christian." The chaplain of his regiment 1)ore testi- 
mony to his uniform propriety of life. He never, under any 
circumstances, deviated from the path of Christian rectitude. 
After the return of the regiment, the Chaplain remarked to his 
father: "I did not have a more faithful Christian than your sou 
in my whole regiment." 

After having been honoralily discharged from tlie army, he 
spent some time at home recruiting his health, which had been 
very much impaired hy his long and perilous campaign in the 
insalubrious climate of the south. As soon as he felt himself 
sufficiently restored to engage in business, he secured a situation 
as clerk in Mr. Gray's book store, in the city of Albany. Before 
he had been there three months, he had so far won the confidence 
and esteem of his employer, that his salary was nearly doubled, 
and he was promoted to be book-keeper and bank clerk, the most 
responsible position in the establishment. 

His constitution, however, had ])ecome greatly enfeebled by 
disease, contracted amidst the arduous campaigns of the army. 
TAvice he was compelled to ask leave of absence to go home and 
endeavor to regain his health. In this he i)artially succeeded, 
and returned again to his business. Bnt, alas ! the seeds of fatal 
consumption, which had been planted in his system, began to 
develop themselves, and on the 10th of November he was com- 
pelled once more to return as an invalid to the parental roof On 
entering the house he said to his mother, in a plaintive voice, 
but with a calm resignation: "Dear mother, I have come home 
to die." 

For three months he lingered under the wastings of disease, 
uncomplainingly enduring much bodily snffering, and subnu'tting 
to the Divine will with so nuicli patience and resignation, that 



CORPORAL ALONZO G. LUDDEN. 675 

even his physician was moved to tears, and said: " I have never, 
in all my practice, attended such a patient." 

A short time before his death, it became the melancholy and 
painful duty of his ati'ectionate father to inform him of his 
a})proaching dissolution. The sad announcement did not move 
him. With perfect composure he replied: " I, too, have thouijht 
my end Avas nigh; this intelligence does not alarm me at all; I 
feel fully resigned to God's Avill. I trust in my Saviour, and He 
is precious to me. I can hardly wait for the time of my depar- 
ture. My faith in Christ enables me to talk calmly of my coiBn 
and my burial place." His younger brother being alone in the 
room a few hours after, he called him to his bedside and said: 
"Luther, I want you to be a good boy, o))ey your parents, love 
your Saviour, and meet me in Heaven." On a subsequent occa- 
sion, he gave a like charge to each of his sisters. 

A few days before his death he divided his eft'ects. To his 
kind physician he gave his gold pen, saying: "Doctor, it is a 
good pen, keep it to remember me. You have done all that 
could be done to save me; I thank you for all your kindness, and 
hope to meet you in Heaven." To his eldest sister he gave his 
gold watch, and to each member of the family some token of his 
aliection, that each might have some memento of him when they 
should see his face no more. 

Having disposed of his earthly treasures, and spoken a word 
of affectionate counsel to his brother and sisters, he meekly com- 
posed himself to meet the linal conflict. He was greatly reduced 
by disease, and his voice was feeble and trembling, yet his ftdth 
was firm and soul-sustaining. In gentle Avhispers he was heard 
to pray: " Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly." A scripture 
promise being repeated by his father, he seemed strengthened as 
by divine energy, and exclaimed in a loud, clear voice: "Lord 
Jesus, I thank thee that thou hast come. The holy angels are 
coming to carry me home. Oh ! what sweet, delicious music I 
hear, such as no earthly instrument and no human voices ever 
made." As the hour of his departure drew near, his spiritual 
nature seemed to be endued with unearthly vigor, and several 



676 CORPORAL ALONZO G. LUDDEN. 

times he exclaimed with great strength of voice; " Glory be to 
God in the highest; bless the Lord — oh ! my soul." 

To his deeply afflicted parents and friends he frequently said: 
"Weep not for me, for I shall soon be at rest." With a full, 
strong voice, he sung part of the hymn: " When I can read my 
title clear, &c.," and then requested that he might be turned on 
his back and his limbs composed. Calling his sisters and brother 
to his bedside, he reminded them of his admonitions, and gave 
them a farewell charge to meet him in Heaven. He took an 
aflfectionate leave of his parents, saying: " Kiss me, father; father, 
good bye. Kiss me, mother; mother, good bye. I want you all 
to kiss me." After all in the room had complied, he remarked: 
"I hope you all love the precious Saviour." In this happy, 
exulting, heavenly frame he continued for about half an hour, 
when he gently and quietly "fell asleep in Jesus," and the 
redeemed and disenthralled spirit went up to meet its Saviour 
and its God, amidst the bliss and glory of its heavenly home. 

" Servant of Christ, well done ! 

Rest from thy labors now; 
The battle fought, the victory won, 

Enter into thy Master's joy. 

'•' The pains of death are i)ast — 

Labor and sorrow cease — 
And life's stern warfare closed at last, 

Tliy soul is found in peace" 

The funeral services were held in the Lutheran Church, at 
Bern, on Saturday, Feb. 18th, in presence of one of the largest 
audiences ever there assembled. The Rev. Dr. Lintner preached 
an eloquent and deeply affecting sermon from Phillippians, i, 
2, 3: "I am in a strait betwixt two." The Rev. E. Belfour, of 
the Lutheran Church at Schoharie, and the Rev. E. Miller, of 
the Dutch Reformed Church at Bern, each folloAved with an ex- 
cellent address, all paying a wtirm tribute to this young and 
noble soldier of Christ, of whom it has been fittingly said: "He 
was early at the cross, early in the grave, and early in Heaven." 
His life was no doubt sacrificed in his desire to do his duty as a 



CORPORAL ALONZO G. LUDDEN. 677 

soldier in defence of his country. But God mercifully spared 
him to return to his home und die peacefully upon his bed, 
amidst the sympathies and ministrations of those who loved him 
most tenderly, to bequeath his parting blessing to his parents, 
his sisters and brother, and to leave a legacy of sweet and hal- 
lowed memories, which will be forever sacred and precious, and 
whose blessed influences will never be lost. 

' ■ Death should come 
Gently to one of gentle mould, like thee, 
As liglit wmds, wandering thro' groves of bloom, 
Detach the delicate blossoms from the tree. 
Close thy sweet eyes calmly and without pain, 
And we will trust in God, to see thee yet again." 



Brunswick Centre, March 1, 1865. 



P. A. S. 



678 JOHN H. CONLEY 



raiV^TE SOLDIERS. 



ICIY. 

JOHN H. CONLEY. 

John H. Conley was bom in tlie city of New York on the 
22d of October, 1815. He was at an early age deprived of a 
mother's care, and was dependent upon his own exertions for 
a support. At the age of sixteen he commenced learning the 
mason's trade, but employed every opportunity to obtain useful 
knowledge. At the age of twenty he experienced religion, and 
ever afterwards made the Bible his principal study. At twenty- 
two he was a tract distributor in New York, and in 1843 moved 
to Albany. Here he joined the Methodists, and was made local 
preacher l)y them. He was for four years chaplain of the Alms- 
house. In 1855 he moved with his famil}^ to Ogdensburg. 
There he joined the Baptists, and was chosen by them to preside 
over a small parish at Stockholm. In 1859 he was ordained a 
Baptist minister. 

After laboring at Stockholm some two years, he returned to 
Albany, and on account of the state of his health, followed his 
trade until the fall of 1862. 

Carried away by a patriotic enthusiasm, he resolved to sacrifice 
business, home, family, and the comforts of a peaceful life, to 
engage in the great struggle for the Union. Failing to secure 
the position of chaplain, he enlisted as a private in the ranks of 
Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-m'nth Regiment New York 
State Volunteers. On reaching home the following Tuesday 
evening, he told his ftmilly that he had enlisted, and expected to 
start South at once. It was very sad to them to think he must 
leave them so suddenly, and with no other hopes than those of 
a private. But he remarked he had fully counted the cost, and 
had made up his mind to go, and to fulfil every duty assigned 



JOHN H. CONLEY. G79 

him, to the end. His friends said, "the Lord's will be done," 
and bade him a tearful adieu. 

He left that same night, and on the foUowing morning he 
joined his company at Troy, and left that day for New York. 
After remaining there a few weeks, they started for Washington. 
Having there passed a review, the regiment encamped at Fort 
Abercrombie, aiid remained there all winter. From that time 
he was with his regiment always on duty; always at his post, and 
always foremost in battle. 

He shared with his regiment the battle of Chancellorsville. 
As tlie men were quite tired after arriving at the scene of action, 
having come at double quick for the last live miles, they were put 
on the reserve. While in that position. General Corcoran rode 
up and asked the Colonel of the regiment, if he could capture 
such a battery and support it. He replied in the affirmative, 
and turning to his men he ordered them to the front; and they 
were soon in the hottest of the fio:ht. After makino; a grand 
and successful charge, they succeeded in taking the battery, and 
supporting it nobly until the engagement was ended. 

During the severest of the fight, the Colonel, while swinging his 
sword and cheering his men on to victory, was wounded severely 
through the hand, and was carried to the rear. Afterwards he 
was taken to his tent, and at the close of the battle and of the 
day, the men being almost exhausted, pitched their tents, took 
their blankets, and were soon fast asleep. 

Moving from there, they composed a part of the army that 
was to march on Richmond. But after a short march they found 
their numl^er was small compared with that of the rebels, and 
the officers resolved to retreat. As night had just set in, they 
laid on their arms, facing the enemy, Avho had also encamped 
not far from them, ready for i)ursuit the next morning. But in 
the deadness of the night, their expectations were foiled; for 
the order silently came to every ear, to rautfle artillery, and 
retreat in silence, Avhich order was promptly obeyed. In the 
morning, the rebels, seeing how they had been foiled, immedi- 
ately pursued, and thus began their longest march, it being 
fifteen days before they encamped, which Avas then on Folly 



680 JOHN H. CONLEY. 

Island. A large number of their men gave out by the way, and 
some died of exposure. 

Mr. CoNLEY participated in the bombardment of Charles- 
town and the forts, and was at the taking^ of Fort Wagner and 
Gregg. While there he experienced two very narrow escapes. 
After a hard day's work in the entrenchments, being relieved, he, 
with two or three others, went outside the works, and as they 
supposed, out of all danger. There they threw themselves down 
on the ground to rest, and soon were all asleep. While lying 
there, a shell from one of the forts, fell between him and his 
comrades and exploded, killing one comrade and severely 
wounding the other. But it did not harm him in the least. The 
noise awoke him, and after the dust had cleared away, he 
saw what had happened, and fully realized the danger he had 
been exposed to, and from which he had so miraculously escaped. 
With deep sorrow for his companions and gratitude to God for 
sparing him, as he hoped, for some future good, he knelt down 
and offered a fervent prayer to his Heavenly Father. 

At another time he exposed himself in a case of real necessity. 
The men, on leaving the island to work in the intrenchments, 
generally carried water enough with them to last until they 
returned. But, as at this time they remained there much longer 
than they expected, their water became exhausted. When the 
time came again to be relieved, General Gilmoee made his 
appearance and told them they would have to remain on duty for 
the present, as no relief could be spared. The men remarked 
that they had no water, for which they were suffering. The 
General told them there was a beautiful spring outside the bomb 
proof, but that they would probably meet death before reaching 
it, for, as the rebels knew it was greatly needed by us, they 
watched it very carefully. But Mr. Conley, preferring to die by 
the bullet than by the slow torture of excessive thirst, resolved to 
venture, and just as the sun was setting and its last rays were 
tinging the works around him, you might have seen his form 
gliding softl}^ outside the works, and, as he rounded the corner 
of the bomb proof, he went in a straight line to the spring. He 
knew that he was exposed to the keen eye of the sharpshooters, 



JOHN H. CONLEY. 681 

who were unseen l^y him, and he expected every moment to feel 
the sharp pangs of a bullet, and to receive his death wound. He 
saw, just ahead of him, in a low spot of ground, the spring, and 
also, heard its silent murnuir. He saw, also, two other men who 
were risking their lives for the same object. As they were all 
making quickly for the spring, they suddenly heard a report, 
then another, and another followed in quick succession. It was 
at once evident that they were each separately shot at but all 
narrowly escaped. One had his button hole torn out and another 
had marks on his coat where the ball had touched. After hastily 
tilling their cups, and partially slaking their OAvn thirst, they 
retreated behind the bomb proof, and bore the precious fluid to 
their suffering companions. 

The regiment, after the taking of Forts Wagner and Gregg, 
marched for Florida, where they were held as skirmishers. On one 
occasion, when Mr. Conley was ordered to do, on Sunday, some- 
thing that he knew was not necessary, he refused, remarking that 
it was the Sabl)ath and that he always observed that day, to rest, 
and to render prayer and thanksgiving to Almight}^ God. The 
officer answered that there were no. Sundays with a soldier, and, 
with upraised bayonet, he ordered him to follow him. But Mr. 
Conley said, if it was necessary he would go, for then it would 
be his duty; but as it was not, he positively refused to work on 
the Sabbath. He then said to the officer: " You may pierce me 
through and through; that will only affect my frail body, but mj 
soul belongs to God." After this the officer withdrew and left 
him to his own meditations. 

After leaving here they took up their line of march, to aid in 
the siege of Petersburg. On the way he was for the first time 
taken seriously sick, and when they landed at Hilton Head, he 
was left, where for some six weeks he continued sick, and at 
times was expected to die. 

When he was rational he was very anxious about his family, 
and requested the Doctor to write for him, stating that Mr. 
Conley was very sick, and not expected to live. The letter, 
however, was delayed, and his family did not receive it until 
some two weeks after its date. It was to them very sorrowful 



682 JOHN H. CONLEY. 

news, and that night they retired with heavy hearts, supposing, 
by this time, he had gone to be with his God. But the very 
next morning their deep sorrow was turned into extreme joy. 
Looking out of the window, who should they see coming sh)wly 
up the road, hiden with his knapsack, but the father, whom they, 
ere this, supposed to be dead. With what delight he was ushered 
in, can be better imagined than described. He was received as 
a father alive from the dead! Soon he related the circumstances 
connected with his return home. 

After the surgeon had written that he was not expected to 
live, the fever turned for the better, and he slowly began to 
recover. When just able to walk out, he was asked if he thought 
he would soon be able to join his regiment, which was at that 
time busy before Petersburg. He said he hoped so, for he 
would much rather be there than here. In a few days he began 
to feel as well as usual, except being a little weak. When he 
was asked again if he was now able to go, he replied in the 
affirmative. " Well," said he, " if you are able to join your regi- 
ment, you are more able to enjoy a furlough," and, much to his 
surprise (as he had never expressed a wish for one), the surgeon 
handed him his papers for three weeks' absence. But he hesi- 
tated about receiving it, for he said, before leaving home, that 
he would never ask for a furlough, unless there was sickness or 
death in the family, as he wanted to stay until his time was out, 
and then come home to remain. For the idea of a second part- 
ing was to him worse than the first. But as he knew his regi- 
ment was soon to be engaged in deadly strife, he thought the 
furlough was sent by God, for him to see his family once more 
on earth. He therefore accepted it, and expressed his thankful- 
ness for the same. 

After enjoying himself to the uttermost, for over two weeks, 
he again had to part from those he held so dear, and evidently' 
this time with a heavier heart than before. For as he went to 
the boat he remarked to his son that he had appreciated home 
more than ever before. When they parted, it was in tears. 
Although he still had that same patriotic feeling, yet he also 
retained his deep love for his family. When the boat loosened 



JOHN H. CONLEY. 683 

from the dock, he said it was deeply impressed upon liis mind 
that he would never ste}) upon All>any shores again; and he 
never did. As his son watched him until he had passed from his 
sight, it was the last time that he looked upon those features 
that were so dear to him. 

After returning, he joined his regiment in the intrenchments 
before Petersburg, and soon after was engaged in battle. When 
the first charge was made upon the rebel fortifications, his regi- 
ment was then in the reserve, and was ordered to make the sec- 
ond, which they did, at a loss of nearly two-thirds of their 
company. When it was ended, he found himself alone with his 
dying comrades around him; but after retreating to the rear, he 
found those that, like him, had survived. As he saw they were 
feasting from their haversacks, he reached for his, but it was 
gone. It had been shot away, as also his cartridge box. That 
same night, while he and two others were in a rifle pit, a shell 
from the city fell in their midst, killing one and mortally wounding 
another. Again was he miraculously preserved, and again did 
he thank God for so providentially sparing him. 

Soon after the g-reat assault on Petersburs:, while he and three 
others were out scouting, he, with the rest, was taken prisoner, 
and confined in prison at Richmond. Believing starvation 
awaited him, and preferring to die a more speedy death, he 
determined to attempt an escape. In about three weeks he suc- 
ceeded in dicriiino; throuo-h the walls, swimming the river, and 
making his escape. After reaching our lines, his first thought 
was for his family, and, still dripping with water, he wrote them 
a few lines to allay their anxiety. 

After remaining a few months before Petersburg, he accompa- 
nied his regiment on the unsuccessful Fort Fisher expedition, 
under Butler. He also engaged in the second attack, which 
proved his death. He was on guard over the main magazine of 
Fort Fisher, at the time of its fearful explosion, and whether 
blown to pieces, or buried beneath the ruins, none can tell. 

After passing unharmed through nearly three years of terrible 
fighting, and when all were quietly resting after the fatigues of 



684 AVILLIAM C. CADY. 

a hard fought victory, he is, without a moment's warning, called 
into the presence of his Maker. 

He is gone! No fond family, or group of tearful friends, 
watched with silent anguish his last breath; no tolling bell or 
muffled drum followed him to the grave; no marble monument 
marks his last resting place. Death found the soldier at his 
post. The stars alone beheld the fearful rending of his poor 
shattered body; and the stifled thunder of the exploding maga- 
zine, and the shrieks of the wounded, alone rang his funeral 
knell. The memory of his kind words and noble acts is his 
monument, and the recollection of his sad yet honorable death, 
will ever hold a most honored place in all our hearts. 



xcv. 

WILLIAM C. CADY. 

William C. Cady was born in Albany the 2d day of November, 
184 L He was the son of Denice C. and Elmira B. Cady, and 
was by these pious parents dedicated in infancy to the Father, 
the Son and the Holy Ghost. 

Having been carefully reared in the principles and duties of 
religion, he early showed in his life the fruits of careful culture. 
He always obeyed his parents, and was very particular to do that 
which was exactly right. 

Very early William manifested a great taste for reading, and 
his memory was remarkably retentive. His superior talents and 
rigid conscientiousness, gave to his parents high hopes for his 
future usefulness and success in life. 

He was very fond of his Sabbath school and of religious 
meetings, and when he was sixteen years of age he was hopefully 
converted to Christ. Having given good evidence that he was a 
child of God, he was admitted to the membership of the Ai-bor 
Hill Methodist church of this city. He was exceedingly fond of 
singing, and with his fine voice, and with his heart tuned to the 
melody of praise, he greatly aided in this department of divine 



WILLIAIM C. CADY. 685 

worship. At the time he enlisted in the army he was connected 
with the choir of St. Peter's church. 

The guns tired upon Fort Sumter not only aroused his patriotic 
ardor, but led him at once to desire to give his services to his 
country. On account of his youth and the feeble state of his 
health, for he had never been strong, his parents at first ol)jected. 
But he said that duty called and he must go. He enlisted that 
same month, April, 1861, in the Third Regiment of New York 
Volunteers, as Second Sergeant of Company F. He was first 
stationed at Fortress Monroe. In June, 1861, while expecting a 
visit from his mother, he was ordered to the field, and the very 
day I think, before he received the fatal shot that resulted in his 
death, he wrote to his mother a letter from which we make the 
folloAving extracts: 

" Dear Mother — * * * Qn Sabbath night I received the 
telegram stating that you would be down on the steamer " Rip 
Van Winkle" on Monday morning. Consequently I went down 
to the wharf and waited until half-past eight o'clock, and found 
that yoa were not on the boat. I was much disappointed at not 
finding 3'ou there; I supposed that you would come the next 
morning; ])ut I could not do anything to let you know that we 
had gone. I should have been so glad to have seen you and 
Brother Stratton, and to have taken one last good look at one, 
Avhoni I have learned to love best of all on earth. 

" Now, dear parents, you need not have the least fears about 
my getting into a?/?/ bad habits while I am here; because in the 
first place, I love you both too much, to pain you by the know- 
ledge that I was doing wrong. Secondly, as any habits which 
I might form would react upon myself in the end, and as I 
expect to see you and home once more, I have too much pride 
and self-respect, to show myself again in Albany with anything 
at all derogatory to my character or reputation. As I told you 
before, I did not join the army to get away from restraint, but 
because I wanted to do my duty, and to rest perfectly con- 
tented with regard to myself. The scenes in the camp are always 
exciting, as there are scouting parties going out all the while, to 
make observations in the enemy's country. 



686 WILLIAM C. CADY. 

"Day before yesterday, a part of the Troy regiment were 
attacked by the secessionists, and one of the rebel Captains was 
captured. Yesterday our whole regiment was called out, and 
formed in the line of battle, with arms loaded, and plenty of 
ammunition ready for them at a second's notice. We were also 
out one nioht from twelve o'clock until mornino- waitino; for the 
enemy. We are soon to have some warm work about here, and 
it will be short work too. We have plenty of men, and a Gen- 
eral whose coolness and firmness are only equaled by his cour- 
age. As to our field officers they are trusted by all; and what 
is more the men all work together, as one man, which is in itself 
a great feature." 

"Now, father and mother, I am living daily as I hope to die, 
and I feel that we shall yet be ' all at home ' in Albany, once 
more, and that before a great while. Please write to me often, 
and believe me ever, yours, WILLIAM C. CADY." 

With such feelings and hopes the young christian patriot went 
forth to his first and his hist battle. The engagement took place 
near Little Bethel, and at four o'clock Monday morning, June 
10, 1861, he was shot in the abdomen. He fell and was for some 
time unconscious. On recovering his consciousness, he remarked, 
" I am mortally wounded." Shortly before he expired, the 
chaplain asked him, if he thought he had done wrong in enter- 
ing the army. He replied, "No, I have only done my duty. 
If I had to live my life over again, I would do the same thing.'* 
While dying, he dictated a letter of which the following is an 
extract : 

"I die in a great deal of bodily misery. I want Sergeant 
Lord to take my body home. I leave seven dollars with Lieut. 
Lord. My watch is at No. 80 Houston street; my father's name 
is D. J. Cady, No. 12 Lark street, Albany. I die perfectly 
happy. I want to be sent home in a good, plain, substantial 
cofiiu; tell George to telegraph to my father what train my body 
will arrive on, and to telegraph him to meet him with a hearse 
at the depot. Tell my father that I died doing my duty, and 
that I was excellently taken care of, and bid him good-bye. I 



WILLIAM C. CADY. 687 

hope I will meet you in heaven. I hope you will come out safe. 
Good-bye, Captain. God bless 3^ou. I have nothing more to 
say. W. C. CADY." 

He died at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, on Wednesday morning, 
at one o'clock, aged nineteen years, six months and seventeen 
days. He was the second patriot to fall for his country after the 
rebellion broke out, young Ells^vortii having been the first. 
He was an only son, and only child, and his parents in giving 
him, gave their all. 

The Hospital Chaplain at Fortress Monroe, in a letter written 
to a New York paper, gives the following account of his inter- 
view with the parents of the noble boy : 

"There have been several arrivals of citizens to-day, looking 
after friends in camp. I notice among them Rev. J. H. Smith 
and B. Griffith, of Philadelphia. There came also two strangers 
Avhose appearance was deeply touching. They were the father 
and mother of Sergeant William Cady, of Albany, whose death 
from a wound in the abdomen I named in a recent letter. Young 
Cady was a member, Avith his parents, of one of the Methodist 
churches in Albany, and the pastor accompanied them to Fort- 
ress Munroe. 

All the way on the journey, notwithstanding the report in the 
papers, the mother clung to the fond hope that her son — her 
only child — was not wounded. On her arrival, it was my mourn- 
ful duty as the Hospital Chaplain, to inform her that he was 
dead. I never saw a more mournful scene than followed. The 
father sought the buried body, while the mother remained with 
me at the hospital to hear all the details of the sad tale. It was 
an hour for consolation such as seldom comes to a faithful minis- 
ter. But the fact that the dear l)oy had died happy, that he was 
calm and collected to the last, that he died in hope of a glorious 
immortality, calmed the agitated and atiiicted parents, and 
enabled them to say 'all is well.' " 

His remains were brought to Albany, and funeral services were 
held in Arbor Hill Methodist church, where three years before 
he had professed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A large con- 



688 ROBERT H. KING. 

course of people bore testimony to the high esteem in which he 
was held, and to the public admiration for his character, and grati- 
tude for his patriotic services. 

The sad bereavement was too much for the fond mother. She 
never fully rallied from the blow that deprived her of her only 
and beloved child. Graduall}^ her health failed, and on the 16th 
day of January, 1866, she left this earth to meet her child in 
Heaven. Ere her departure she spoke fondly of meeting him, and 
shortly before she expired she looked up and exclaimed, "I see 
him. He is in full health and vigor, and stands waiting for me 
to come to him." They have met, to part no more. 



XCVI. 

ROBERT HENRY KING. 

Robert Henry King, son of Samuel ^Y. and Susan King, was 
born in the city of Albany, November 8, 1844. His mother died 
when he was just one month old. He was a Sabbath school scho- 
lar from his youth, and was universally esteemed as an affection- 
ate, noble minded and strictly moral young man. 

The death of his father, June 18, 1864, left Kobert an orphan, 
and he enlisted in the naval service of his country in the month 
of September, 1864. In a short time after his enlistment, he 
was on board the receiving ship " Vermont." From that vessel 
he was drafted as one of the crew of a small but unique craft, 
which was registered in our navy as "Picket Boat No. 1." This 
vessel was forty feet in length and ten in width, carried one gun, 
a twelve-pounder, and was furnished with a long projecting tim- 
ber, called torpedo boom, and which was designed to run tor- 
pedoes under rebel vessels. Her commander was Lieut. Gushing. 
The vessel sailed from the Brooklyn Navy Yard September 22, 
1864, and proceeded immediately to her place of destination, 
which was Plymouth, North Carolina. On the 28th of the next 
month (October), one of the most perilous achievements of the 
whole war was accomplished by this little craft. She blew up 



ROBERT H. KING. 689 

and entirely destroyed by her torpedoes the rebel ram " Albe- 
marle," that had already inflicted serious injuries upon us. 

In this enterprise, though not until it was perfectly successful, 
Robert H. King, together with almost all of the little crew of 
the picket boat, were taken prisoners. From Plymouth he was 
immediately sent to Salisbury, North Carolina, where already 
thousands of our brave men were imprisoned, and where multi- 
tudes died by exposures or starvation. From early in November, 
1864, to March, 1865, a period of little more than four months, 
Mr. King was an inmate of that prison; and because he had been 
with others the instrument of inflicting a very severe injury upon 
the confederacy, he was treated with even greater severity than 
many of the other prisoners. Being exchanged about the middle 
of March, Mr. King returned immediately to his home, but with 
his constitution so completely shattered by the severity of his 
imprisonment, as to survive his return but a few days. Reaching 
his home April 1, he died on the 10th of the same month. 

The following account of the destruction of the "Albemarle" 
appeared in one of our papers: 

''The rebel ram 'Albemarle' was one of the most formidable 
vessels which the Confederate navy ever floated. It played a 
conspicuous part in the capture of Plymouth last spring, and on 
that occasion sank the ' Southfield.' She attacked the ' Miami ' 
also; and a shot from the latter, striking the iron walls of the 
ram, rebounded and killed Capt. Flusser, of the ' Miami,' who 
was an intimate friend of Cushing. It was said that for this 
reason Lieut. Cushing vowed vengeance against the ' Albemarle.' 
This ram was the same which was engaged in the memorable 
conflict with the ' Sassacus,' and two other heavily armed double- 
enders, on the 5th of May last. The utmost, however, which 
these three vessels, by their combined efforts, were able to 
accomplish, amounted to but a slight injury to the rebel iron- 
clad, though sufficient to compel its retirement. It has ever 
since been a source of considerable apprehension, and has made 
it necessary for Admiral Lee to greatly increase his naval force 
in the sound. As early as last June Lieut. Cushing, then com- 
manding the ' Monticello,' submitted to the Admiral a plan for 

44 



690 EOBEET H. KING. 

the destruction of the 'Albemarle.' The plan was approved, 
and the Lieutenant withdrawn from the ' Monticello ' to perform 
this special service. Since that date Admiral Lee has been suc- 
ceeded by Admiral Porter, who has signalized his assumption 
of command by the destruction of the ' Albemarle.' 

" After the conception of his plan, Lieutenant Gushing came to 
New York, and in conjunction with Admiral Gregory, Captain 
BoGGS, and Chief Engineer W. W. Wood, applied to one of the 
new steam-pickets a torpedo arrangement, and returned to the 
Sound. The torpedo arrangement was invented by Mr. Wood, 
and was illustrated in the ' Weekly' of October 1. The ' Albe- 
marle' had been lying at Plymouth for some weeks previous to 
its destruction. A mile below the town on the wreck of the 
* Southfield' a rebel picket was stationed. On the night of 
October 27, Cushing, with a company of thirteen men, proceeded 
up the Roanoke river, toward Plymouth. The distance from 
the mouth of the river to the ram was eight miles. The picket 
above mentioned was passed without alarm, and the ' Albemarle' 
was discovered lying fast to the wharf ' with logs around her 
about thirty feet from her side.' As the party approached, the 
rebels opened fire from tlie shore, which was returned by the 
steam launch. The approach was made in the form of a circle 
and with bows on, and when the logs were struck they were 
driven in some feet, the bows of the launch resting on them. 
' The torpedo-boom was then lowered,' says Lieutenant Cushing, 
' and by a vigorous pull I succeeded in diving the torpedo under 
the overhang, and exploding it at the same time that the ' Albe- 
marle's' gun was fired. A shot seemed to go crashing through 
my boat, and a dense mass of water rushed in from the torpedo, 
filling the launch and completely disabling her. The enemy 
then continued his fire at fifteen feet range and demanded our 
surrender, which I twice refused, ordering the men to save them- 
selves, and removing my overcoat and shoes. Springing into the 
river I swam, with others, into the middle of the stream, the 
rebels failing to hit us." 

" Cushing's escape was so precipitate that he was not able to 
«eport the destruction of the ram from his own observation, but 



EGBERT H. KING. 691 

formed his judgment from a conversation which he heard while 
concealed in the marshes close to the enemy's fort, and from the 
report of a negro whom he sent into the town for information. 
He had become exhausted in swimming, and had taken shelter in 
the immediate vicinity of the enemy. He was picked up by the 
' Valley City' on the night of the 30th, having made his way to 
that vessel in a skiff captured from an enemy's picket. Lieut. 
CusHESTG is a citizen of New York. 

"From the Richmond papers we learn that the 'Albemarle' 
was destroyed, and that none of Cushing's party were killed, 
only one of them, indeed, having been wounded. No lives were 
lost on board the ' Albemarle.' The destruction of this vessel 
has given us possession of Plymouth." 

It is an interesting fact, which I will state in this connection, 
that another of the heroes of this hazardous expedition was a 
native of Albany, and after his gallant conduct and his great 
sufferings in Southern prisons, has returned to us to enjoy the 
reward of his patriotic services. I allude to Mr. Hj:nry Wilkes, 
who is at present connected with Parson's book bindery in James 
street. 

Mr. Wilkes and Mr. Ejng were among the five sailors who 
received medals of honor prepared by the Navy Department. 
Each medal was accompanied by a letter from the Secretary, 
stating that it was awarded for gallant and meritorious conduct. 

Mr. Wilkes after having passed through scenes of great 
danger, was selected for his daring and bravery for this enter- 
prise; and he has kindly furnished me with the following account 
of it, and of his own capture and imprisonment: 

" On the night of the 27th we got under weigh from the fleet, off 
the mouth of the river, and steamed up the river. In the steam 
launch, were Lieutenant Gushing, Paymaster Avolington, from 
the 'Otsego,' Swan, Master's Mate, William B. Howitt, of the 
gun boat ' Monticello,' and third assistant Engineer, Stokes- 
BURY, in charge of the engine, with a crew of ten men." 

" An assigned cutter of the ' Shamrock,' with an officer and 
ten men, was towed along for the purpose of capturing the rebel 
pickets oil the river. It was known that the rebels had pickets 



692 ROBEET H. KING. 

along the river, and on the ' Southfielcl,' which had been sunk 
by the ' Albemarle ' last spring, which laid about a mile below 
the town of Plymouth. The pickets were stationed on the hurri- 
cane deck of the 'Southlield,' the only portion of the wreck 
above water. These were turned over to the care of the ' Sham- 
rock's ' cutter." 

"When the time came, about eleven p.m., the picket boat 
entered the Roanoke river, and steaming up without making any 
noise, the ' Southfield ' and three schooners along side of her, 
engaged in raising her up, were passed, so near, that we could 
toss a biscuit aboard of her without being hailed. 

" We arrived within pistol shot of the ram which lay along side 
of the dock, at Plymouth. We were hailed, and Gushing made 
no answer. We steamed on towards the ram, the rebel Captain 
shouted "what boat is this?" Then we said, "goto grass." 
Then the rattle was sprung, the bells on the ram were rung, and 
all hands were beat to quarters in great confusion. A musketry 
fire was opened on one boat, and a charge of canister, injuring 
some of the crew. 

"Along the dock where the 'Albemarle' was, there were a 
large number of soldiers stationed to guard against a lauding 
of our force. After the surprise, in front of their lines, there 
were a number of fires, which threw a light on the ram. By 
this lio^ht Lieutenant Gushing could see the timbers which were 
around the ram to guard against torpedoes, floating down on her. 
We could see the soldiers on the wharf blazing away at our 
boat. Then we brought the bow of our boat around and dis- 
charged a load of canister into them, from our twelve-pound 
Howitzer mounted on the bow. This sent some of them flying, 
and making a circle about forty yards round, under a scorching 
fire. We came around, bow on, at full steam, and struck the 
logs which were around the ram, pressing against them in 
towards the ram. Our boat came to a stand-still. We could 
not back or g-o ahead. Then the fun commenced. The rebels 
fired muskets and pistols almost in our faces from the port holes 
of the ram and the wharf. There were two killed. Paymaster 
Swan grot a slight scratch on the side of his face with a ball. 



ROBERT H. KING. 693 

The officers of the ram cried out surrender, or we will blow you 
to pieces; but Gushing took it all with perfect coolness. He 
seized the laniard attached to the torpedo, and the line of the 
spar, and crowding the spar until we brought the torpedo under 
the ram, he detached it by a line attached to a pin, which held 
the torpedo on the boom. He then pulled the laniard of the 
torpedo, and pressed it under the ram on the port side, just 
below the port holes. A two hundred pounder which was dis- 
charged at us, instead of sinking our boat, went over us, and did 
no damage. A large body of water was thrown out by the 
explosion of the torpedo, which came down on the boat, and 
gave us a good ducking. Lieutenant Gushing ordered every 
man to save himself the best way he could. He pulled off his 
coat and shoes, and jumped into the river, followed by those of 
us that could swim. We struck out for the middle of the river 
under a hot fire. The water was so cold there was only one 
escaped with Gushing. His name was William Houton, a sailor, 
who belonged on the ' Ghicopee,' one of the fleet in the Sound. 

" The enemy called out for us to surrender, or they would sink 
us. Our boat being fast on the logs, we could not get out, and 
we surrendered, and then they stopped firing, and came out in 
their boats and picked us up. 

" We were put in a jail that night, and we had the soft side of 
a plank for a bed. We were wet and hungry the next morning, 
and shivering with the cold. We had no change of clothes with 
us. Some of us threw off our overcoats about ten o'clock that 
morning. They gave us some thing to eat, and our bill of fare 
was corn bread and stewed beef. Some of the boys said it 
was mule's meat. We were hungry, and we did not care what 
we ate. 

" We stopped there until noon, and then they started us on a 
march of sixty miles. While we were in Plymouth we were 
treated very well. We had a guard of twelve mounted men 
placed before us. We heard our gunboats coming up the river, 
and we were hurried along as fast as possible. While we were 
in the jail, we had a good many call to see us. They asked us 
a good many questions, and wanted to know who was in com- 



694 EOBEET II. KING. 

mand of the boat. We did not tell them, as we did not want 
Lieut. Gushing to be caught. We named the commander that 
was on board before we left. They supposed, however, it was 
Gushing. It was lucky that he made his escape, for if they had 
caught him they would have shot him. When we heard the 
gunboats coming up we knew Gushing was safe, and had sent 
them up the river. 

" We marched that day until sundown, when we arrived at an 
old school-house, where we stopped for the night. Before start- 
ing from the jail, they gave us rations for three days, which was 
about a dozen hard tack, and truly it was hard enough. We 
had as much as we could do to eat them. 

" We got up the next morning at four a. m., and felt stiff and 
sore. We had to eat our hard tack in a hurry, and we started 
again. We were about tired out, and our feet so sore that we 
could hardly walk. We arrived at a barn, where we put up for 
the night. We passed a great many troops on the road to Ply- 
mouth. They looked like a flock of sheep straggling along. 

" The next morning we started again on the road. Before we 
got ten miles, some of the men got tired out. We met an old 
negro on the road, with a cart and mule, and the guard ordered 
him to stop and take some of us up, which he did. We arrived 
that night at a railroad station, and were put into a cattle car, 
with a guard of six men. There were about four inches of dirt 
in the bottom of the car, but we had to make the best of it. We 
rode for two days in the cattle car, and arriving at a station, we 
were transferred to a passenger car, in which we rode till we 
arrived at Salisbury prison. 

"The prison is about a mile from the railroad. When we 
got there it was raining. They opened the gate of the pen, and 
told us to march in. The number of i)risoners was between 
eight and nine thousand. Most of tht^n were our soldiers, 
and some, Unionists of the south, who would not take arms 
against the United States. Some had small tents, and the rest 
dug holes in the ground, about five feet deep, four feet long and 
four feet wide. They were covered with sticks and brush for a 
roof, and plastered over with mud, with a hole in one end for a 



EGBERT H. KING. 695. 

chimney to let the smoke out. Our rations were meat, two or 
three times a week, of two ounces, and eight ounces of corn 
bread. Part of the time we were put on half rations. There 
was no running stream on the place, and we got water out of 
wells, which were quite dirty. We had not been in prison over 
a week, when the prisoners talked about making a break out. 
The rebels heard of it, and they took our officers and sent them 
to another prison, so they gave up the break at that time. Some 
tried to escape by digging a tunnel under ground, but they were 
cauo-ht and brought back. There was a trench dug all around 
the fence which was about the prison, which they called the dead 
line, and any one who tried to get over the trench was shot 
down. Besides every one had to be in their tents or holes, as 
soon as it was dark. The rebels would call out, "Get to your 
holes or tents, you Yankees, or I will shoot you;" and if we 
were not quick enough, they would fire at us. 

*' We had another break, and we attacked the guard. We were 
armed with stones and clubs, and made for the gate, which was 
broken open. We were, however, driven back by the guards. 
By this time the guards on the fence were reinforced, and they 
opened a heavy fire on us. As soon as the break commenced, a 
train arrived at the depot, with a regiment on board. They 
came up, and opened fire on us with two six-pounders, which 
they used and loaded with box tin punchings, for grape. The 
boys saw they could not make it go, and so they gave it up. 
We lost about fifty, killed and wounded. Major Gee, who had 
command of the prisoners, said the next time the prisoners made 
a break, he would shoot every man on the place. 

"In January, there were three United States officers came 
there with some clothing. But they did not bring enough to 
supply us. However, some got a shirt, and some a pair of pants, 
and some shoes, &c. 

" On the 22d of February, we were sent away to be exchanged. 
Partly on foot and partly by railroad, we were conveyed to the 
Union lines. As we approached our lines, we put a flag of 
truce on the locomotive. There were about two thousand of us 
exchanged, and we were received by a battalion of our troops. 



696 GEORGE B. WOLCOTT. 

with arms presented. When passing out of the rebel lines, we 
all gave a wild hurrah, and traveled on to Washington and to 
the navy yard, and were presented with medals of honor by 
Commodore Montgomery. HENRY WILKES." 

All honor to this noble patriot and brave soldier, who has 
survived the perils and hardships of war! May the remainder 
of his life be peaceful, prosperous and happy! 



XCYIf. 

GEORGE B. WOLCOTT. 

George B. Wolcott, private in the Forty-fourth Eegiment, 
Company E., New York State Volunteers, was born at Penn Yan, 
Yates county, New York, August 31, 1848. He was the son of 
Chauncy and Ann Wolcott. In childhood and youth he was an 
obedient and dutiful son, and a kind and loving brother. From 
earliest youth, he was always of a religious turn of mind; loving 
his Sabbath school, and taking an active part in it, and shunning 
evils of every description. 

At the age of twelve, his mother died, and her last words to 
George were: "Be a good boy and meet me in heaven." George 
loved his mother with an untiring love, and these words had a 
lasting effect upon him. From that time he sought the Lord, 
and, through Jesus Christ, obtained pardon. He advanced 
rapidly in the divine life, and in love to his God and Saviour. 
At the age of fifteen, he united with the Wesleyan Methodist 
Church of Penn Yan, and maintained a Christian character with- 
out spot or blemish. He always took an active part in the duties 
of the church. 

He had attended the Normal School one year, when he enlisted 
at Albany, August 20, 1862. He was a sincere and enthusiastic 
patriot, and discharged his duties, both in camp and field, with 
marked efficiency and fidelity. At the battle of Gettysburg, 
while aiding in repelling an attack upon the extreme left of our 
line, and while in the act of dropping a bullet into his musket, 



GEORGE B. WOLCOTT. 697 

a ball from the enemy pierced his hand, entered his forehead and 
killed him instantly. He was buried beside his comrades who 
fell at the same time and place, a short distance from where he 
was killed. 

We regret that we have not more full information of this nol)le 
youth, but an account of the company with which he was con- 
nected cannot fail to interest our reader. 

When, in July, 1862, the Union forces were defeated in tlie 
" seven day's battle" before Richmond, and there came up from 
the Capital of the nation a new call for men — soldiers to drive 
back the rebellious invaders — the young men of the State Normal 
School felt that it was time for them to shoulder their muskets, 
and do what they could to save the land they loved, and pre- 
serve the institutions for wliich their fathers fought. Professors 
Ejmball and Husted, of the faculty, volunteered to go with, 
and lead them. With the students and graduates of the school 
as a nucleus, they commenced recruiting, and, on the 25th of 
September, found themselves one hundred true, brave, ear- 
nest men, " mustered into the service of tlie United States for 
three years or the war." Desirous of, at once, making them- 
selves useful in the field, they were soon attached to the Forty- 
fourth New York Volunteers, then one year in tlie service, and 
were afterwards known as Company E of that regiment, joining 
it October 23 d, at Antietam Ford, Maryland. 

The company, as an organization, participated in all the battles 
of the Army of the Potomac, during the two years from Octo- 
ber, 1862, till October, 1864, including the terrible struggles 
of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg. 

The regiment's term of service having expired, and but ten 
of the company being " present for duty," this remnani was con- 
solidated with the One Hundred and Fortieth New York Volun- 
teers, and fought with it in the closing campaign, and were mus- 
tered out in June, 1865. Of the original officers. Captain R. G. 
Kimball resigned, on Surgeon's certificate of disability, April 
16, 1866. Lieutenant A. N. Husted served with the company 
during its connection with the Forty-fourth, was promoted to 



698 JUSTIN K. HUNTLEY. 

Captain, and was honorably discharged when Ins men were trans- 
ferred to the One Hundred and Fortieth, in October, 1864. 
Lieutenant Wm. Kidd resigned January 29, 1863, to accept a 
commission in a cavahy regiment. 

Of the one hundred men, sixteen died of wounds received in 
battle; eight died of disease; twenty received wounds which did 
not prove fatal; seven were commissioned in the United States 
colored troops, tive of them as Captains; seven received com- 
missions in New York Volunteer Regiments; twelve were dis- 
charged because of physical disability; nine were transferred to 
the Invalid Corps, and three to the Signal Corps. Two of the 
members, Robert B. Darling and George B. Wolcott, were 
killed, by being shot through the head, the latter at Gettysburg, 
Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863, and the former at Petersburg, Vir- 
ginia, June 18, 1864. 

After George's death, his Captain wrote to a friend that 
George was not only a good soldier for his country, ])ut, also, a 
good soldier of the Cross. On the morning of the fatal clay 
that he fell, he found him engaged in earnest prayer to God. In 
an hour from that time, he was lying dead upon the lield. 



XCVIII. 

JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 

Justin R. Huntley was -born December 10, 1846, in Ham- 
burg, Erie county, New York. At seven years of age he com- 
menced attending school, which he continued to do without 
material interruption until about sixteen, when he graduated 
from the Experimental Department of the State Normal School 
at Albany. Possessing a strong physical constitution and a 
ready and active mind, he mastered the course of study with 
comparative ease, placing himself in rank among the best of his 
class. In his school life there were many little incidents which 
were, for the time, considered somewhat remarkable by his 



JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 699 

particular friends and admirers, Init are not of sufficient impor- 
tance to claim notice here. 

In the spring of 1858, during a season of religious interest in 
the Pearl street Baptist church at Albany, he Was hopefully con- 
verted, and united with that church by baptism, under the 
ministr}'^ of Kev. Dr. Hague, which connection was maintained 
until his death. As evidence of the tidelity and tirmness with 
which he held fast his religious convictions, it may be stated 
that during the continuance of the " boys' prayer meeting," for 
two years, he was never absent except when away from the city. 

The spring of 1861 brought the fall of Fort Sumter and the 
spontaneous uprising of the North. While the Government was 
marshaling its hosts preparatory to putting down the rebellion, 
the boys caught the military spirit and organized themselves 
into companies and regiments, for drill in the tactics of war. 
Eight or ten companies of " Boys' Zouaves" were organized, 
uniformed and equipped in Albany, one of which was drilled 
and commanded by Justin. Subsequently, desiring to be organi- 
zed as a regiment for parade on various occasions, the officers 
met to elect their field officers, when Justin was unanimously 
chosen Colonel. The fourth of July was the occasion of their 
first appearance, when, numbering about five hundred, they 
presented such soldierly appearance, and evidence of such excel- 
lent discipline, as made them one of the most interesting features 
of the procession and celebration. 

Here, then, was first developed that military ardor and self- 
sacrificing patriotism which seemed at times to fill his mind, to 
the exclusion of every other consideration. During the first 
three years of the war he was almost unremitting in endeavors 
to obtain his parents' consent that he might go. He was sure 
he could be useful in many capacities — a " drummer boy," a 
clerk in some dei^irtment, or even an officer's servant. His 
requests being refused again and again, at each successive call 
of the Government for men, they became more importunate. 
Though persistently refused and discouraged, and warned that 
actual war and the Ijattling of armies was no holiday parade, 
though the scarred and maimed veterans returning from the 



700 JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 

camp and hospital and bloody field, told their thrilling stories 
of privation, sufiering and death — yet did he not forbear his 
entreaties to be allowed to go. 

The call for volunteers in the winter of '64 seemed, in all 
human probability, to be the last. Justin felt that then was pre- 
sented the only opportunity for him to serve his country. His 
anxiety became more intense, his arguments and entreaties more 
vehement. 

He urged that he was above the necessary standard in stature 
and strength, and consequentl}^ able to endure the fatigues and 
duties of the camp and field; that, as his country needed more 
men, in this her final struoo-le to subdue the rebellion, and as his 
religious principles were now so firmly fixed as to enable him, 
by Divine assistance, to withstand the temptations of a military 
life, he was bound by every consideration of patriotism and 
Christian fidelity, to give his services to this noble cause — the 
more especially as he could set a proper religious example in the 
midst of vice and temptation, inviting those, who through weak- 
ness had fallen, to a higher life, by kindly words and Christian 
deeds. He had made it tJie subject of prayer for weeks and 
months. Many sleepless nights were occasioned by anxiety to 
know his duty, and he felt confident that God would protect him 
from all harm. If he could not go at this call, no further oppor- 
tunity would be oftered to make his record among the defenders 
of the government and the old flag; that he had taken no part in 
this gigantic contest for the existence of the government, would 
be a life-long stigma upon his name. With these and similar 
arguments his suit w^as pressed, day after day and week after 
week, until a reluctant consent was finally wi'ung from his parents. 
With marked expressions of gratitude, he testified his joy for the 
permission to enroll himself as a soldier of the Union. He 
repeatedly said: " You shall never have cause to regret my going 
to the war. I feel that God will give me strength to resist the 
temptations of the camp. Ma. you shall be jproud of your son." 

He enlisted in the Forty-fourth Regiment New York Volun- 
teers, Company E, commanded by Capt. Husted, April 1, 1864. 
Major Allen, commanding the recruiting detachment of the 



JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 701 

Forty-fourth in Alljany, finding his services necessary in the 
office, retained him in it, till those upon this service were ordered 
to report to their regiment. On May 12 he left the city, in com- 
pany with the detachment. Though sad at parting with parents 
and friends, a consciousness that he had voluntarily assumed the 
manly and patriotic position to tight for his country and the 
loved ones at home, animated his countenance with an expression 
of hope and joy. Not elated with the novelty of his new posi- 
tion, or the spirit of adventure, there was a serious thoughtful- 
ness pervading his mind. Within the hour previous to his 
departure, he read aloud the hfth chapter of Romans. Then at 
his request all joined in singing "Home, sweet home," and his 
beautiful voice, always sweet, seemed unusually thrilling and 
sympathetic; after which he buckled, on his haversack, and bade 
the family adieu. Tears were in a measure stifled by that strong 
hope and confidence he realized so fully. Though he was going 
where danger was, yet duty appeared to be there also. None 
could feel that this was his last home interview; that the voice 
so touching in its melody would so soon be hushed; that the 
spirit so joyous with hope and trust, would so soon wing its way 
to the heaven of the blessed. 

Previous to Justin's enlistment, the officers in command of the 
regiment consented that he should have some position which 
would not subject him to the fiitigues of long marches, and the 
severer hardships of the common soldier. It seemed to be quite 
too certain that he could not endure the extreme fatigrue and 
exposure incident to the soldier's duty in the rank; and with 
his ability and ready adaptation — being already familiar with the 
manual of tactics and ordinary military afl^airs — he could be vastly 
more useful in some other capacity. In accordance with this 
understanding, he was detached from the regiment shortly after 
joining it, and assigned to duty as special Orderly to Brig. Gen. 
J. J. Bartlett, which position he held till August 17, when he 
was sent to City Point Hospital. 

On May 16, Justin joined the army near Spottsylvania, and 
reported for duty to Capt. Husted. Feeling himself perfectly 
able to take the chances of war with the men, he did not choose 



702 JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 

to inform the Captain, that the design was for him to perform a 
lighter service than that of the common soldier. He was equipped 
accordingly and placed in the ranks. During the two weeks he 
was with the regiment, his corps performed one of the severest 
forced marches of the campaign. He was one of the few in the 
regiment that did not "fall out," but resolutely kept his position 
to the end of the march. In writing home, he expressed some 
pride in calling the attention of his friends, who doubted his 
ability to perform the severer duties of the soldier, to the facts 
connected with this march, as conclusive evidence of his power 
of endurance to make a full soldier. 

The coolness manifested in the hour of peril w^as, in a great 
degree, owing to his confidence in the preserving care of the infi- 
nite Father. There was no faltering here. Every letter speaks 
this great confidence. He closes a letter, June 8, thus: 

"Whenever you hear of the Fifth Corps (Waeren's) being in 
any fight, you may safely conclude I am not far oflf. But God 
will guard, and God will guide me. I hope you never forget 
the soldier boy down in Virginia, who needs your prayers, and 
God who needs our thanks." 

His piety did not forsake him. Amid the temptations and 
vices of the camp, he swerved not in his loyalty to Christ and 
His truth. Though pressed on every side to deviate from the 
line of religious duty, he stood firm by the faith he professed — 
an example of purity in life, and a Christian in faith and love. 
His spotless life bore strange contrast with many seen in camp. 
His undeviating adherence to his resolutions made before enlist- 
ing, his gentlemanly demeanor and kind-heartedness, were the 
outgrowth of a heart renewed by grace. These qualities, blended 
wdth his invincil)]e courage and faithfulness in the performance 
of duty, made him the admiration of the ofiicers and men with 
whom he became acquainted. A Sergeant at head-quarters 
remarked: 

" We were not long in finding out that Justin was a Christian. 
His prompt but polite refusal to be led into any questionable 
practices, his kind reproofs, and his detestation of profane swear- 
ing, were unmistakable evidence of a Christian heart." 



JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 703 

The clerk at head-quarters writes: 

'He AA'as good, kind and gentle, and had a kind word for all. 
I never heard him utter an improper word.- He ahltorred an 
oath, and would always look with sorrow upon those who swore. 
The army is the hardest place for one to lead an exemplar}'^ life; 
but he maintained his good character at all times, and was an 
example for us all. Such were his actions while with us — such 
were his manly virtues, gentlemanly habits and kind words 
always, that he gained the esteem of every one." 

Gen. Bartlett says: 

" I learned, greatly to my surprise, that his gentle bearing 
emanated from a pure Christian spirit; and I felt that the child 
should be my instructor." 

Knowing intemperance to be the prevailing vice of the soldier, 
he resolved to adhere strictly to " total abstinence." No induce- 
ments were sufficient to make him swerve from his original pur- 
pose. Whiskey rations and cordials were refused, till the 
peremptory orders of the surgeon made necessary a modification 
of his practice. 

Thus he passed through the ordeals of temptation in camp 
unsullied — no stain upon the bright armor of his character — an 
example to all of devotion to principle, of a pure filial afiection, 
and a reverence for God and His truth. These characteristics, 
combined with his promptness and accuracy in the discharge of 
his duties, courage in time of peril, and gentlemanly deportment, 
won upon all the officers who knew him. 

His graceful address and genial humor were the admiration of 
his friends — his happy and merry disposition was the delight of 
the household; but the respect and love for his parents, and the 
admiration and tender affection for his little sister, fitted him 
particularly for the enjoyment of home, and are the character- 
istics around which memory loves to linger most fondly. 

August 12, Justin writes: 

" My hand is so unsteady, that my friend Dickson will tell 
you, at my prompting, that I have had my usual 'bilious attack; ' 
but the doctor says I will be all right day after to-morrow. I 
have not been in the hospital, neither shall I go." 



704 JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 

From other sources of information, it appears that his health 
had been quite poor for weeks, though this was the first allusion 
he makes in rejrard to ill health. Disease had for some time 
been taking firm hold upon him, while he resolutely determined 
not to yield to its influence, nor alarm his friends at home. 
During the campaign, the climate, fatigues and exposures incident 
to it, were insidiously undermining his health, but his strong 
will would not permit him to ask relief, or complain while it was 
possible for him to perform his duties. He felt a contempt for 
slight difiiculties or slight ailments, and none should ever say he 
left his post of duty for small cause. If he asked for relief, it 
should be from necessity. 

Lieutenant Bartlett, of General Bartlett's stafi", says: 

" In front of Petersburg Justin was taken sick, but would not 
for some time allow himself to be taken to the hospital. At 
length he consented to go to the division hospital, and, as he 
started, I bade him good bye, little thinking that it was forever. 
I went home then with the General, who was himself sick, and, 
upon my return, learned that he had been taken from the ' ranks' 
and promoted to a place with the angels." 

He was removed from the division hospital to City Point, 
August 17. For three or four days — still unwilling to be con- 
sidered sick — " being only weak, and having only a little fever 
and a little diarrhoea," as he expressed it in his last letter, he did 
not desire to claim attention from the surgeons and nurses of the 
hospital. Sergeant Moslander, convalescent in the hospital, 
and previously acquainted with him, voluntarily came to his 
assistance, watched with him, and took the principal care of him. 
He insisted to the ward-master and the surgeon, that Justin was 
very sick and needed much better care. After the first few days, 
he was delirious most of the time. In his delirium, his thoughts 
were constantly about his parents and home, or his duties on the 
field, or in camp. 

Justin had been always very prompt and regular in corre- 
spondence with his parents; scarcely a week had elapsed since he 
left, without their receiving at least one letter from him. He 
had so carefully guarded his expressions in reference to his 



JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 705 

health, that there appeared to be not the slightest reason to be 
alarmed. Receiving no conniiunication from him for a week or 
more, his father, then in New York, felt a little nneasiness in 
conscqnence of this silence, and determined to go to City Point. 
He arrived there on September o, and learned Justin had been 
transferred to some noi'thern hospital, having left City Point, 
"not very well," August 23. Kcturning inunediately, he ex- 
amined the hospital records at Fortress Monroe, Baltimore and 
Philadelphia. At the medical director's office, in l^hiladelphia, 
his name was found, and that he had been assi2:ned to Whitehall 
Hospital, near Bristol, Pennsylvania. At the central office of 
this hospital a name reseml)ling his, with company and regiment 
correct, was recorded. His father passed through the wards, 
making inquiries, and expecting at every step to greet his only 
son. The last ward was reached; then for the hrst time he bciran 
to feel there was real cause for alarm. A most careful search of 
all the records at the hospital was made, without getting any 
further information, save on the death register there was one 
recorded "Unknown, died Angust 26, 18G4." Obtaining all the 
information possi))le, in regard to this " unknown," the father 
learned that he came to the hospital early on the morning of 
August 26, in extreme prostration; could articulate his name, 
only with great difficulty, at the central office; could not speak 
after arriving at the ward, and expired in al)out half an hour. 
He appeared to be conscious, and in no pain. The physician 
administered stimulants, but it was too late to revive him. The 
"unknown" had left no effects. He was buried as he came, the 
same day, in the Bristol l)urying ground. 

In spite of the awful conviction thus forced upon him, that 
the "unknown" must be his son, the father could but hope to 
the contrary. Fearing and yet eager to know the truth, the 
remains were, at his request, disinterred, and there, marked 
plainly upon his clothing, were the initials of Justin's name, 
bearing too certain witness to his identity. 

With grateful emotions the father saw upon the unmai-kcd 
grave evergreens and flowers, placed there by some philanthro- 
pic hand. More especially was he grateful for this, because the 

45 



706 JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 

evidence seemed to he coiieliisive, that the hrave lioj had l)cen 
hastened t-o his (h'ath ])y neg-lect. Bnt there was at least one 
heart Avhich could feel for the " nnknoAvn " soldier, and perform 
an act of love to a humble defender of the Nation's honor. That 
expression of love and regard was given l)y the soldiers' friend, 
Kate Paxson, of Bristol, Pennsylvania. 

Sulisequently it was learned that when placed on board the 
transport " City of Alban}^" at City Point, Justin from his dis- 
ease — typhoid fever — was quite delirious, though able, with the 
assistance of Sergeant Moslander, to walk to the boat. The 
surgeons and nurses of the hospital accompanied their patients 
to Fortress Monroe, at which point they were transferred to the 
transport "Atlantic," and to the care of other attendants. After 
a passage of three days, they arrived at the White-Hall Hospital, 
a few miles from Philadelphia. Until the time of leaving Fort- 
ress Monroe, all the patients received proper attention. During 
the remainder of the passage, however, very little care seems to 
have been bestowed on them. Not only was Justin neglected, 
but was rol)])ed of his money, watch and revolver l)efore arriving 
at Philadelphia, and after leaving that point what else remained 
to him was taken, including his diaiy and portfolio. Very 
reluctantly is this reference made to the treatment of the deliri- 
ous and dying boy, but sympathy with his sutferings is too tender, 
and sorrow for the loss of the faithful record he had kept, and 
to which he very often had made reference, is too keen to be 
repressed in this memorial. 

A few days after the identification of the remains, they were 
transferred to Albany Rural Cemetery. There they are at rest ; 
waiting the final resurrection, when, transformed into a spiritual 
bod}', pure, glorious and deathless, and united in immortal union 
to the nol)le and sanctified spirit, they shall ascend to those fields 
of everlasting green, and those bright mansions in heaven, which 
the Saviour of men has gone to prepare. 

The dear one, departed, died in a holy cause. The interests 
at stake were not mere earthly interests ; the principles in con- 
troversy were not mere mortal principles ; but the very pillars 
of God's kingdom in the earth. It was convictions like this that 



WILLI A3I A. VAN GAASBEEK. 707 

impelled Justin to the tight. He was the soldier ])oth of duty 
and of liberty. His patriotism was nourished by his religious 
faith. He saw that God had built tlic altar and asked for the 
sucriticc, and he cheerfully gave his all. 

These considerations, together with the hearty sympathy of a 
multitude of friends, pour the l)alm of consolation into the 
crushed and Avounded hearts of the bereaved. Though to the 
mother there may be none like her first born, noble boy, yet the 
honoral)le record of his 3'oung manhood, the pure, christian 
heart he carried into life, and the certainty of his glorious 
immortality, clothe his memory with an efiulgence which, even 
into her saddened heart, sheds its blessed light. 



XCIX. 

WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK. 

AYiLLLOi A. Van Gaasbeek was born September 5th, 1841, 
and at the age of four years commenced going to school, A 
more truthful, pure nu'ndcd, alfcctionate and obedient boy than 
Willie could not be found. He loved his home and parents, 
and would do all in his power to make them happy. 

At the age of ten years he commenced going to the Experi- 
mental school, and continued there for four years. During that 
time he never asked to stay at home a single day, unless he 
was sick. He Avas greatly beloved by his teachers and young 
associates. 

After he left the Experimental school, he went to North Hamp- 
ton to school, and remained there about one year. 

At the age of fifteen, Willllai entered the Albany Academy, 
and remained there until he became a clerk in his uncle's store. 
He was with his uncle two years and a half, and in all the rela- 
tions of life, he bore an un1)lemished character. 

He next obtained a situation in INIr. Stuart's store in New 
York city, and remained there about six months, giving entire 
satisfaction to his employer. His father being about to commence 



708 "WILLIAM A. VAN GiVASBEEK. 

business, desired to have William with him, and requested him 
to return home. His employer was very anxious for him to 
stay, and held out great inducements for liim to do so; but he 
said he felt it his duty to return home, and do all in his power 
for his father. 

Besides being a dutiful and affectionate son, William was a 
true patriot, and, when the war conmienced, he told his parents 
that he felt it to be his duty to enlist in defence of his country's 
cause. 

William enlisted as a private in the Eleventh New York Inde- 
pendent Battery, November 6, 18G1. 

This, it will be remembered, was before the days of thousand 
dollar liounties, and before the draft drove men to enlist to avoid 
a harder fate. 

We needed men, not officers alone, to fight our l)attles for us; 
and there were men — true hearted, noble men, who rushed to 
the standai'd then, and filled our failing ranks with glittering 
steel and iron hearts. 

William had weighed the matter well, and neither the doubt- 
ful smile of friends, or the story of hardship and danger, had 
power to deter him from his purj)ose. 

We shall never forget the prompt reply he made, when, early 
one morning, a comrade stepped into his father's store, and put 
the question: "Are you ready to enlist. Will?" The answer 
was as direct as the question, and, without a moment's delay, 
they Avere on their way to give themselves, for three years, to 
their country's service, with all it might bring to them of good 
or evil. 

To him it proved an altar of sacrifice, on which he laid all, 
even life itself. His comrade lives to mourn his loss, and tell the 
story of his bravery. 

Young Van Gaasbeek was by nature endowed with some of 
the first requisites of a soldier — a disposition cheerful under all 
discouragements, a strong constitution, and, best of all, nerve for 
any danger into which duty called him. 

The first six months of his service were spent in Fort Ells- 
worth, near Alexandria, Va. And here, in garrison, as nowhere 



WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK. 709 

in the field, is the spirited soldier's patience tried, and his health 
put in jeopardy. 

Leaving their comfortable quarters at A11)any, as they did, in 
the dead of winter, and ))eing put in tents with a scanty supply 
of fuel, Avith rain or snow, or both, enough each day to prevent 
much out door exercise, no wonder the men were sick. Within 
three weeks after the Eleventh and Twelfth New York Battci-ies, 
numbering something more than three hundred men, took pos- 
session of Fort Ellsworth, disease, of one type or another, had 
so reduced the number that there were barely men enough to fur- 
nish the necessary detail for guard. And these few had to go on 
duty every alternate day and night. 

Thus the spring wore away, and the summer was half ended, 
when the monotony of garrison life was suddenly broken. On 
the IGth day of June, orders were issued for the Eleventh New 
York Battery to report at Washington, where they would be 
suppplied with guns, liorses and equipments for service in the 
field. 

There was joy in the fort that night, and from that time for- 
ward there was no lack of work to do. The tide of war that 
but a few months before had rolled so heavily to the south, came 
thundering back with redoubled fury. Again was the Capital 
in danger. 

The Eleventh New York, with other troops, was ordered to 
report at Manassas. Then followed the unfortunate atfair of 
August 27, when the battery lost four of its guns, and many of 
its best men as prisoners. 

But fortunately our hero was not among the number. His 
duty with his own piece, which was not engaged, prevented his 
sharinsy in the dano;ers and honors of that first conflict his com- 
pany had with the enemy. The next morning's sun found him 
with what was left of the battery, supported with a single regi- 
ment, hopefully assisting in holding in check the advance columns 
of Lee's army. 

At Fredericksburg he shared the perils of the day, and bore 
the chagrin of retreating in the night, like a good soldier. 

Next we find him at Chancellorsville. All dav had Sickles 



710 WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK. 

been steadily pressing the enemy back in his front. The day 
was ahnost spent, when the enemy charged with fearful power 
upon our ranks. The Fifth Corps l)roke and tied. Our tlank 
was turned and all seemed lost. Cheer after cheer rose from the 
rel>els. 

But in the thickest of the fire, clouded in smoke and begrim- 
med with powder, we find our young hero straining every nerve, 
to pour the iron hail into the rel)el line as rapidly as possible. 
Cooler than many older men, and braver than some, he stood 
fearless at his post. When darkness settled down upon the field, 
the order was gi-ven along the line to " cease firing." The heated 
pieces ceased their work of death, and many thousands sank to 
rest. 

But William, ever wide awaJ^e, and ready for any enterprise, 
and curious to know liow things looked between the lines, went 
out to reconnoiter. When about half w^ay between friend and 
foe, he found a three-inch rilled gun, deserted by its friends, and 
left to fall into the hands of the enemy. It was too great a 
prize to carry ofi' alone, and too great to leave. He returned, 
and with volunteers enough to liriug it in, he soon added a 
seventh piece to the Eleventh Ncav York Battery. 

Being a fine penman, and quick to learn, it was early discov- 
ered at head-quarters that he might be made useful there; and 
much of his time, especially during the second year, was spent 
as clerk under different general officers. 

The fact of his being so much of his time engaged in writing, 
and away from his l)attery, will account for no special mention 
being made of him in connection with the battles of Gettysburg 
and Mine Eun. 

After nearly a year of faithful service as clerk, he made appli- 
cation to his Captain for relief. Having obtained this, he cheer- 
fully returned to his duty with the Battery, just before the open- 
ing of the campaign of 18G4. Here he remained, sharing the 
toils and perils of his comrades at the Wilderness and Spottsylva- 
nia, on the Po and Nye and North Anna River, until June, 1864, 
wdien at Coal Harbor he received the wound that terminated in 
his death. He was wounded in the arm by a sharpshooter, while 



williajM a. van gaasbeek. 711 

at the extreme front on the skirmish line. The ]);ill struck his 
shoulder blade, and it became necessary to am[)utate his arm. 
Alter his arm was taken oil", he got a friend to write home to his 
parents, statino- that he expected to go to ^^'asllingtou. He also 
wrote, " I stood the amputation well, and have strong hopes of 
getting well. I was brought in a few hours after I got hurt. 

" Father, if you possibly can, I wish you would come and see 
me in the hospital at Washington. I shall be there by the time 
you receive these few lines; I can be discharged, and you can 
take me home at once. I think my right hand is good, and I 
expect to l:>e of some use yet." 

But God ordered it otherwise. He never was permitted to 
see his home alive. His father did as he requested; he went to 
"Washington, l)ut could not find him. For a whole Aveek he made 
the most diligent inquiries, Avithout l)eing able to trace him. 

It appears that William had a brother connected with the 
Sanitary Department, who finding that he Avas wounded took him 
to David's Island, near Ncav York, instead of going to Washington. 

The brother Avas uiiAvilling to leave A\'illiaai, and remained 
with him for nearly tAvo Aveeks. He then returned to Albany,^ 
reaching the city on Sunday morning. We may imagine the 
feelings of a mother's heart, Avhcn she found that her poor, 
wounded boy was so short a distance from home, Avhile his 
father was looking for him so long, and so far aAva}-. Mr. V^an 
Gaasbeek Avas telegraphed to as soon as possil^le, and the mother 
taking the nine o'clock train, Sunday morning, arrived in Ncav 
York about four o'clock in the afternoon. It being Sunday, 
there was no Avay to get to the Island imtil INIonday morning. 
When she arrived at the hospital she AA-as told that Willie Avas 
very Ioav. After his brother left him he Avas taken sick, and the 
main artery in the neck commenced bleeding. The doctor, hoAA-- 
ever, immediately succeeded in taking up the artery. But of 
course Williaji Avas A^ery weak. He AA-as asked if he Avould like 
to see his mother. His ansAver was, " yes, I Avould like to see 
her." A messenger then came and said to her, "you must com- 
pose yourself as much as possible, for the least excitement in the 
patient may cause the artery to bleed again." She Avas then 



712 WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK, 

conducted to the room, and looking from bed to lied, she saw no 
one that she recognized as her Willie. At hist a ^^onth raised 
his remaining hand, and said " mother." She knew that voice, 
and approaching the sutlcrer, she conld scarcely believe that this 
was her son, he was so emaciated and changed. 

Bending over him he fondly kissed her and said, " Where is 
father ?" The mother could not reply. She was choking with 
emotion. She seemed to herself, as though she was sinking in 
an abyss of sorrow. At last she whispered, " Willie, keep quiet 
and in, a few moments mother will talk with you." She then 
oflered a silent prayer to God for strength in that trying hour. 
She then told him how long his father had been trying to tind 
him. He said, " I want to see him, I wish he would come." He 
then asked about his two sisters, and his little 1)rother at home. 
Then he looked up anxiously and said, " Mother, do you think 
they will let you stay and take care of me ?" She replied, 
"Willie, do not worry, for I know they will; here comes the 
doctor and I will ask him." She asked him, and he said, " Yes, 
he needed a mother's care." 

/ She then went to the hall with the doctor, and asked him what 
he thought of Willie. He said, " Do you think you can bear 
the worst." She replied. Yes. He then said, " Your boy is a 
very sick boy, but while there is life there is hope; if he takes 
to bleeding again, there is not any help for him." 

She returned to the room again, and Willie looked so pleased, 
and said, " Mother, how glad I am you can stay." He then said, 
" Mother, where arc you going to sleep ?" She replied, " Willie, 
do not be anxious about me, I can sleep anywhere. I shall take 
care of you at night, and will lay down and rest in the daytime." 
He said, " Mother I am afraid it will make you sick if you do 
not have your rest." When the doctors came in to dress his 
wounds, as soon as he heard them coming in the room, he would 
say, " Mother I think you had better go out till my wound is 
dressed." He was afraid it would be too much for her. So 
whenever his Avoiind was dressed, she had to leave the room. 
His wound had to be kept wet night and day; and at first he 
did not want his mother to attend to that. But he reluctantly 



WILLIAM A. VAN G.VASBEEK. 713 

consented to have her to do it, as the wound was not visible, and 
all that was necessary, was to keep the l)andage wet with a sponge. 

His father arrived on Tuesday morning, and then Willie 
seemed to be perfectly happy. He was so very weak he could 
not talk much. But on Wednesday morning he was thought to 
be l)etter, and the doctor said to his mother that he must con- 
gratulate her for her boy was better. He did look better, but, 
alas, how soon their hopes were blasted. 

As his father had been so long away from home, thinking him 
so much better, he thouoht he mioht leave him for a short time. 
He bade him good bye on Wednesday. Thursday was a very 
warm day and William seemed very weak, but never uttered a 
single -word of complaint. When asked how he was, he would 
say, " I think I am better." His only anxiety was that he might 
w^eary others, or that his mother would get sick. 

The day before he died, a lady, Mrs. Manning, who was in the 
hal)it of visiting the hospital, stood by his bed side conversing 
with him. She remarked, " You are very sick; I suppose you 
know in whom to put your trust." He looked up to her and 
smiled, and said, " I put my trust in God." She said, " That is 
a blessed trust; you would not give that trust and hope for any- 
thing this earth can afford? " His answer was, " No, not even for 
the arm that I have lost." He continued to grow weak all day 
Thursday, and, about nine o'clock, the artery commenced bleed- 
ing, and he died about half-past ten,- on the 23d of June, 1864. 
His sufferings were ver}^ great, and are known only to himself 
and his God. He was but tAventy-three years of age, when he 
thus offered up his precious life upon the altar of his country. 

The following touching letter was received by Mrs. Van 
Gaasbeek, from Mrs. Manning, on(^ of the ministerina; antrels to 
our soldiers durino- the war: 

Brooklyn, November 12, 1864. 

My Dear Friend — Ever since the death of your dear son, I 
have thought of writing you, as I could not say to you what I 
felt when I left you. From the time you spoke to me on the 
boat going to your son, I felt a deep interest in you. Perhaps 
30U do not rememl)er that I took 3'ou to the ladies' room, where 



714 WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK. 

I spent the last night with yon. But it is all fresh to my mind; 
also the sweet, almost divine face of your dear son, I shall 
never forget. Do you remember how pleasantly he spoke to me 
when I said that I hoped he was able to eat some of the straws- 
berries we had carried to him, I shall never forget his patient, 
trusting look, full of resignation, as if he had done his duty and 
was waiting in the spirit of the Saviour, for the sununons to go 
home. Pie seemed to say, " not 1113^ will, but thine, be done." 

When word came that his arm was bleeding again, and I v/ent 
to him, I knew he must die. But the doctor said, "you had bet- 
ter not go to him, as it will excite him; and keeping him quiet is 
the only possible way to save him." 

My great desire in urging you to go to bed and rest, came 
from the fact that I knew that your son was at rest. I knew, 
also, how overtaxed you were, and that your loving heart would 
almost break. I knew and felt all this, l)ecause I am a mother, 
and my son a soldier — 3'es, my only son. I felt your sorrow as 
only a mother can feel. Since the death of my mother, most 
loving and tender, I have never sutfered as I did that night that 
I watched with you. Your own agony I think did not surpass 
mine, for you had moments of apparent unconsciousness; I some- 
times listened to hear if you breathed at all, all that long wearj- 
night. I watched the stars and prayed, thinking of my own 
boy. If I lose him, I cannot sufier more than I did then. I 
reraemlier how fully I partook of your spirit. You did not 
speak, I think, from ten o'clock till two. Then you said, looking 
up earnestly, " Willie is gone." 

I must tell you that wnthin the last month I have felt, that if 
these sacrifices are the price of our nation's salvation from the 
enemy, we can give it. 

I trust that you feel that you have a precious treasure in heaven, 
and are calm. 

Your son, my dear friend, was ofi'ered on a sacred altar, and I 
am sure the sacrifice is not in vain. I pray God to bless you and 
yours. 

I am still interested in the soldiers, and visit David's Island 
hospital almost every day. But no face has ever interested me 



CHARLES M. BROWER. 715 

SO much {IS your son's, that I have seen as little. We arc now 
ccttino- up a Thanksiiivinu dinner for our dear sick and wounded 
soldiers. M3' son is in Florida; well now, though he has been 
sick. I trust Miss Dunnett has answered your letter. I know 
she proposes writino; you sometime. 

I shall l)e happy to hear from }'ou. My address is Mrs. H. 11. 
Manning, care of Manning As Squire, New YorK:. 



c. 

CHARLES MOORE BROWER 

Charles Moore Brower was the eldest son of S. Douglas 
Broaver, by a second marriage, and was born in Albany on the 
28th of November, 1846. His mother's maiden name was Mary 
Berry Moore. He was naturally a boy of a delicate constitu- 
tion, with a mind thoughtful, and very discriminating. He had 
a nervous temperament, so nmch so that in his early school days 
the effect of study made such inroads on his health, that he was 
obliged to cease for a time going to school. 

When about fifteen years of age, he entered upon a course of 
study preparatory to entering college, at Olivet, Michigan; his 
uncle, Rev. John M. Barrows, being a professor in the college. 
Here he soon developed talents of a high order, and which gave 
great promise of future success. But his health failing, he was 
ol)liged, after two years of study, to relinquish his purpose to 
e:o throuo-h college. 

o o o 

While prosecuting his studies, he was brought to an experi- 
mental knowledge of a Saviour's love, and was induced to take 
a stand for Christ. 

He had been religiously educated, and had been scrupidously 
moral in the past, but now the grace of God added new charms 
to his character. 

When the war Ijroke out, he was filled with enthusiasm for the 
government and the countiy, but he Avas too young then to enlist 
in the army. But when he l>ecamc older he l)egan to think that 



716 CHARLES M. BROWER. 

he oiicrlit to enlist, even after his brother Henry had ])een killed; 
that fact in no wise diminished his ardor, and he wrote to his 
father thus: " Will you let me enlist ? I will go and take Henry's 
place. The country needs more men. If Walter is drafted, let 
me know and I will go in his place. Do let me go. / never 
shall he satisfied unless I do go." 

He wrote to his brother-in-law, Major T. M. Newson, in regard 
to his enlisting, who discouraged him, knowing how frail he was, 
and fearing he would not be al)le to endure the hardships of war. 
His father and mother declined giving their consent, for the same 
reason. 

When the Major made his head-quarters at Fort Snelling, 
Minnesota, being State Commissary of subsistence, he invited 
Charlie to his office, that he might there serve his country with- 
out being exposed with his delicate constitution to the toils and 
dangers of the l)attle-lield. He accepted the appointment, July 
1, 1865. Fort Snelling being a rendezvous for troops, the 
returning regiments that came there to be mustered out, brought 
with them typhoid fever. A great part of the garrison were 
prostrated by the disease. It seized upon Charlie, and for 
nearly ten weeks he required greater care than an infant. Slowly 
he began to recover, but the fever left him with a swollen limb, 
reducing which, induced congestion of the lungs. 

In a letter, written home, under date of 28th October, 1865, 
the Major says: 

"Charlie is dead! Yes, he is dead! And yet not dead. I feel 
that he is with us still; that he comes in spirit and cheers the 
hearts of those now lonely. Charlie was apprised of his 
approaching death, two days and two nights before it occurred, 
and he was calm and resigned. In the presence of death he 
sweetly said, 'God, I trust in Thee.' With a heroism never 
witnessed by me before, he exhibited no fear, but patiently 
awaited the coming of the great change. He knew he could not 
live. He knew he must pass into the mysteries of the future. 
He knew this for hours, with his mind perfectly clear, and yet 
how heroically and grandly he gave up all, trusting in the Saviour 
of all. 



ROSAVEIX B. CORLISS. 717 

"His exemplary character, his Christian consistency, his forti- 
tude, his trust, his patience during his sufferings, are mementoes 
and monuments of a life, simple, beautiful, sublime. He died 
October 25, 18G5." 



C[. 

ROSWELL B. CORLISS. 

RosAVELL B. Corliss, Jr., was born at Albany, New York, 
June 26, 1844, and was the son of Roswell B. and Catharine 
Corliss. Shortly after the connnencement of the rebellion, he 
showed an eager desire to enter the service of the United States, 
but his parents ol)jected and advised him to remain at home, as 
his elder brother had already entered the army. He relinquished 
the idea of going for a time, Init. as the struggle for national 
life increased, he again urged the need of his services, and his 
parents consented. 

On the 22d of January, 18G4, he enlisted in Company " C," 
Seventh Regiment Artillery N. Y. S. Volunteers, then on duty in 
the defences of Washington, District of Columbia. Soon after 
he reported to the regiment, it was ordered, in connection with 
the other artillery regiments, to join the Army of the Potomac, 
then upon the threshold of that memorable campaign that proved 
so destructive to our noble men. 

He participated in the engagements of Harris' Farm, North 
Anna, Po River, Shelton House, Coal Harbor, and in front of 
Petersburg, June 16, 1864, when he, with a number of others, 
was taken prisoner by the enemy. They were conveyed to, and 
confined at Andersonville, Georgia. After being there a short 
time, he was taken sick, and no medical aid or care was given 
him except such as his comrades could render. He continually 
declined, and on September 5, 1864, his name was added to the 
list of fourteen thousand, who had died from exposure, suffering 
and misery, under the brutal inhumanity of the enemies of God 
and man. He was buried in the grave yard near the prison, in 
September, 1864. In March, 1866, his remains Avere transferred 



718 STEniEN R. WHITE. 

to the Albany Rural Cemetery. For several weeks previous to 
his death, he was out of his mind, his insanity having been pro- 
duced by the horrors of his situation. 

The youth thus murdered l)y slow torture, was a kind and 
amial)le bo}-, a dutiful son, and a regular attendant upon the 
public worship of God, He was also a brave soldier, and won 
the esteem and aflection of all who knew him. His brother, 
S. P. Corliss, bears touching testimony to his strong affection, 
and purity and kindness of heart, and confides in the hope that 
Egbert has reached those peaceful and blissful regions, where 
wars and rumors of wars ai'c never known. 



ClI. 

STEPHEN ROSS WHITE. 

Steriiex Ross White, son of John G. and Hannah J. White, 
was born Octol)er 2, 1840. He enlisted in the Marine Artillery, 
in the city of New York, on the 1st of September, 18G2. 

He tlied at the hospital on Roanoke Island, of malarious fever, 
on Tuesday, the 11th of November, after a little more than two 
months in the service, at the age of twenty-two years. 

The following extract from a letter written to a relative, fur- 
nishes all the information we have of his last days: 

" We Avent on l)oard the transport the night of the 29th of 
Septemlier, and were a week in making the voyage to Beaufort. 
We had to ' lay by,' from stress of weather, at Hampton Roads 
and at Hatteras Inlet — the storms of the fall equinox rendering 
the coast too dangerous to venture doAvn, except in the inter- 
vals, when the winds would al)ate for a few hours. 

"At Newbern, we were placed on board the gunboat ' Sentinel,' 
the vessel upon which Capt. Sweet, the Acting Commander of 
our fleet, had his head-quarters. We were kept on board just 
one week, when a division Avas made, and it Avas our disastrous 
lot to be numbered among those Avho were destined for that 
horrid golgotha, Avliere pestilence sat, Roanoke Island. 



JAMES E. GOOLD. 719 

"Ross was attacked by the disease, which proved fatal in so 
many cases, toward the hitter part of October, as the direct result 
of his unflinching devotion to duty. He continued to perform 
guard duty half a day beyond the time, Avlien he should have 
been under the care of a physician. 

"He was repeatedly warned, and kindly urged, to yield to the 
too manifest necessity of rest and medical aid. But a heroism 
which only death itself could move, impelled him to struggle 
with the demon that was even then destroying him, and he 
walked his weary, solitary beat with his feet deep in water, and 
amidst a drenching, chilly rain. When the next day's guard 
^vas mounted, and he was relieved from duty, his fidelity brought 
him only sickness for his reward. 

" Completely exhausted, he sought his quarters, sank doMu upon 
his hard bunk, pallid, wan and almost spiritless. He recovered 
partially from this, after rest had restored somewhat of his wasted 
powers; but God soon called him away from earth. He died at 
half past three o'clock p. m., November 11, 18(32. 

" The most prominent trait of his character was a pure and lofty 
heroism; therefore you may be proud of his memor}-, which lives 
unsullied in the hearts of all his comrades who survived him — for 
he Avas loved by all, being as gentle and kind as he was heroic. 

" I loved to think of him, he seemed so like a brother to me." 

The memory of Stephen Ross White is fondly cherished 1)y 
a large circle of admiring friends, and his name is added to the 
illustrious roll of American patriots. 



cm. 



- JAMES E. GOOLD. 

From Charles H. Anthony, Esq. 

Jajies Edmund, son of John S. and Abby 8. Goold, was born 
in Albany, June 29, 1842. It was his happy lot to be a member 
of a Christian household, and to enjoy from childhood all the 
benefits incident to such a connection, as well as those scarcely 



720 JAMES E. GOOLD. 

less valuable ones derived from the instructions of the xSabbath 
school. 

When James was about twelve years old, his parents removed 
to the western part of the State,' for the purpose of engaging in 
agricultural pursuits. This kind of employment was quite con- 
genial to his taste, which soon })egan to manifest itself in the 
ardor witli which lie engaged in the most laborious duties of the 
farm, and the persevering zeal with which he carried to comple- 
tion everything that he had once commenced to do. 

He was charactei'ized by a retiring disposition, great firmness 
of purpose, and a more than ordinary degree of conscientiousness; 
and these qualities, which were developed in early life, seemed 
to gain strength as he advanced in years, until just as youth Avas 
ripening into manhood, the spirit of God impressed upon his 
character the seal which marked him as a follower of the Saviour. 

The circumstances attending his conversion are presented in 
the following letter, from Rev. Geo. Peglek, addressed to the 
author of this l)rief sketch: 

My dear Sir — I am much pleased to learn that you propose to 
write a memoir of my very dear young friend, Ja^ies E. Goold, 
who fell in the late ^war in defence of Union and Liberty, and of 
his and our civil and religious rights. 

My first acquaintance with him was in the latter part of 1858, 
when his father, John S. Goold, Esq., resided in INIaccdon, 
N. Y. I was then pastor of a church in his vicinity, and Mr. 
Goold and family were among my most constant hearers and 
lil)eral supporters; and many of the children Avere members of 
my Sabbath school. My interviews Avith the family Avere fre- 
quent, and always attended Avith nuich profit and pleasure, and 
I Avas more and more impressed Avitli the sedate deportment and 
high moral sentiments that Avere constantly developing them- 
selves in tlie character of J^vjvies, as my intercourse with him 
became more frequent and interesting. I considered him, in 
every respect, the best scholar in the school, and for aptness to 
learn, and for promptitude in attendance, as Avell as for his deep 



JAMES E. GOOLD. 721 

seriousness cand moral tone, he was a worthy example to the whole 
school, and to all his companions. 

At our annual examination there w^ere none like him for 
promptness in answering questions, either from the Bible or the 
maps. But that which most deeply interested me, was the man- 
ner of his conversion to God. He was not carried away by 
excitement, but most calmly and deliberately entered into the 
service of the dear Redeemer, and seemed to have given his 
heart to Christ after much thought and prayerful examination. 
On the Lord's day, April 24th, 1859, the weather being very 
stormy, we expected only a small congregation, but among that 
little flock was James E. Goold. My text on that occasion was 
Ps. xlix, 8: "For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it 
ceaseth forever." 

After the public service, we held a " Class Meeting," and 
James remained with us, occupying a slip in the church, in com- 
pany with three other young men. My custom was, not to urge 
non-professors to speak, unless they were quite willing. The 
others, who sat with Jajvies, had no remarks to make; but when 
I addressed myself to him, he promptly stood up, and remarked 
that, when he arose in the morning, he saw the day was stormy, 
and concluded not to go to church. But he happened to remem- 
ber hearing me say that when we were tempted to absent our- 
selves from the house of God, it would be the better course to 
press through every difficulty, as something might be educed 
from God's word on that occasion that would do us good, and 
perhaps lead to a lasting blessing. "And," said he, "I bless 
God I have come to-day; for God has blessed my soul, and I 
hope that God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven my sins." Such 
was the commencement of his Christian hope. 

Soon after, I was removed to another field of labor, and I 
knew but little of his Christian progress until after he entered 
the army. Then he wrote me several letters, in answer to mine, 
urging him to maintain his Christian character, and remain a 
constant example to his comrades in faithfulness to his dear Re- 
deemer, and fidelity to the cause of his country. 



46 



722 JAMES E. GOOLD. 

His letters to me I will forward to his father, and you may 
make such use of them as your wisdom may dictate. 
With much respect, your humble servant, 

GEOKGE PEGLEE. 
Lemon WEIR, Juneau Co., Wis., May 1, 1866. 
To C. H. Anthony, late Principal Albany Classical Institute. 

Near the close of the year 1859, arrangements were made by 
which James was permitted to return to his birth place, and 
spend a few months there in attending school. He entered the 
Albany Classical Institute, where he soon gained the respect 
both of his teachers and school-mates; and when, in the spring 
of the following year, he returned to the abode of his parents, 
he carried with him a certificate showing that he had maintained 
through his whole course of study, a position in the highest 
" Grade of Honor.^^ 

From the very commencement of the recent struggle for the 
preservation of our National life, his warmest sympathies were 
enlisted in behalf of his country; but when our late President 
issued his second call for volunteers, James was fully convinced 
in regard to his own duty. He felt that he must respond per- 
sonally to that call. The strength as well as the sincerity of his 
convictions were soon subjected to a practical test. A young 
man, a neighbor's son, and one who had Avorked by his side in 
former days, was Idlled in one of the battles before Richmond, 
while our armies under McClellan were endeavoring to effect 
that ever memorable retreat from before the rebel capital. The 
news of this event seemed to add new fuel to the flame already 
burning in the breast of our young hero, who said to his parents: 
" My country needs my services, and I feel that I must go." 
Still, at their solicitation, and from a sense of filial obligation, he 
remained awhile at home. 

A younger brother had already enlisted in the Twenty-fifth 
Regiment New York Infantry; and on the 29th of August, 1862, 
James, having ol)tained the consent of his parents, joined the 
same regiment, which was at that time recruiting in the city of 
Rochester. After a furlough of one week, spent at home, he 



JAMES E. GOOLD. 723 

reported himself at Albany, and there awaited orders. Having 
remained here some time, in daily expectation of being ordered 
to his field of duty, and becoming impatient of delay, he, in 
company with his brother, solicited and obtained permission to 
accompany an officer who was going to Washington in charge of 
some recruits. On arriving there, the two brothers reported 
themselves at the ofiice of the Provost Marshal, and received 
orders to join their regiment, then in Maryland, and marching 
in a northerly direction. 

Strangers and alone, wandering in strange places, subsisting 
as best they could, and sleeping under hay stacks, after two days 
of wearisome travel they came up to the regiment at Antietam, 
just after the battle of South Mountain had been fought, having 
crossed, on their way, the battle field where the dead were still 
lying unburied. This was their first realization of the horrors 
of war; and the impressions made upon their minds were pain- 
ful in the extreme. 

James, always true to his convictions, and earnest in their 
expression, had now determined to define, if possible, his posi- 
tion in reference to religious matters. Accordingly, he sought 
to be identified with the followers of his Divine Master; was 
baptized in camp by the Chaplain of the One Hundred and 
Eighteenth Pennsylvania Regiment, and on application, by letter, 
was admitted to the privileges of membership in the First Con- 
gregational Church, in the city of Albany, then under the pastor- 
ship of Rev. Ray Palmer, D. D. 

Shortly after this, he was placed upon the provost guard at 
Division Head-quarters, and continued to serve in that capacity 
until after the battle of Gettysburg. On the 25th of May, 1863, 
his term of service in the Twenty-fifth Regiment having expired, 
he was transferred to the Forty-fourth. He participated in the 
battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappa- 
hannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court 
House. In the battle at the last named place, on the 8th of 
May, 1864, he fell during a charge made by his brigade upon a 
rebel position, at Laurel Hill. 

Another hero had now achieved his final victory in becoming 



724 JAMES E. GOOLD. 

a martyr to the cause of liberty; another weary spirit had entered 
into his eternal rest; another soldier of the cross had won an 
immortal crown ! The body in which he was once clothed, now 
lies — we know not where, — but the soul of him we loved, and 
whose memory will ever be dear to all who know him ; could 
find a congenial abode only in the regions of spotless purity, in 
the " house of many mansions," whither the great " captain of 
his salvation" has gone before to "prepare a place" for him. 

It only remains, in closing this imperfect memorial, that there 
be appended a few extracts from the letters received by his 
parents and relatives while the writer was doing duty in the 
camp, and in the field. Thus will his inner life be illustrated, 
in some of its aspects, more forcibly than could be done in any 
other manner : 

His belief in the justness of the war, and that God was direct- 
ing it, never wavered. Writing at a time when the future looked 
dark, he says, "if I trusted alone in the help of man I should 
be ready to give up; but I believe it will come out right, for I 
believe God has a purpose to accomplish by this war, and we 
shall not fail." 

He was uniformly cheerful and thankful. Speaking of Thanks- 
giving day, he says: "How diflerent from the thanksgiving at 
home; yet how many things I have to be thankful for; continued 
life and health, and food sufiicient; for though sometimes I have 
been puzzled to know where I would get the next meal, I did 
get it before I was very hungry; and am thankful for so many 
Idnd friends, and above all for my hope in Christ." 

Under date of Febuary, 1862, speaking of the general charac- 
ter of the soldiers in the tent with him, he says, " of course it 
is very disagreeable, indeed, for me to have to associate with 
such men; but there is no possible help for it, and my only way 
is to pray for strength to enable me to resist every temptation." 

In March, 1863, he writes: " With reference to my getting a 
Lieutenant's commission, I hardly think it could be done at 
present, at least; it would hardly be fair to promote me over so 
many men who have been out here nearly two years, while I 
have been out only six months." In another letter, speaking of 



ORANGE DUDLEY. 725 

the U. S. Christian Commission, he says: "It is doing a great 
deal of good in the army. They hold meetings in a large tent 
near us, every evening, which are well attended, and many of the 
soldiers have been converted. I have been there a couple of 
times, and found it very interesting." 

Speaking in another letter of a desire to be prepared for death 
at any time, he writes, " As I was conscious that I was trying to 
live a Christian life, and wished to be prepared to die at any 
moment, I went to the Chaplain of the One Hundred and Eigh- 
teenth Pennsylvania Regiment, and told him my experiences and 
hopes, and that I wished to be baptized and partake of the Lord's 
Supper, which he said he would administer that afternoon at 
three o'clock. At two o'clock I was baptized by him, and par- 
took of the sacrament along with two others; circumstances 
having prevented any more from attending. I hope I have not 
been hasty, or done anything to merit your displeasure. I acted 
from a strong sense of duty, and I pray to God that He will give 
me strength to act at all times up to my profession." 



CIV. 

ORANGE DUDLEY. 

Orange Dudley was born in the town of Guilderland on the 
8th of February, 1844. 

In the year 1847 his parents, John T. and Mary Dudley, 
removed to Albany, where they resided at the time that Orange 
enlisted in the army. 

From his earliest years, Orange was an affectionate son and 
brother, and was strictly conscientious in all his conduct. He 
was a member of the Albany Division of the Sons of Temper- 
ance, and was an enthusiastic advocate of temperance. At the 
age of fifteen he was hopefully converted to God, and united 
with the Washington Avenue Methodist Church. He was an 
ardent and consistent Christian, and held the office of Librarian 
of the West Mission Sabbath School. 



726 ORANGE DUDLEY. 

When the war broke out, Orange was a clerk in the store of 
Dr. C. H. Smith, druggist, and he felt it to be his duty to enlist 
in the army for the defence of his country. But the doctor was 
reluctant to have him leave, as he valued very highly his faithful 
services; and besides his parents considered that he was too 
young to endure the hardships of war. As he could not go 
without his parents' consent, he gave up at that time the idea. 

As the war, however, progressed, he still felt it to be a duty 
he owed to God and his country to enlist, and if he did not live 
to return and enjoy the triumph of his cause, it would be a benefit 
to those that survived him. 

As his father was a truly loyal man, he gave his consent, and 
in August, 1862, Orange enlisted in Company A, Seventh Heavy 
Artillery, for three years or during the war. 

On the 19th day of August, 1862, his regiment left Albany 
for Washington, at which place they were ordered to do garrison 
duty. Here he remained about eighteen months. During that 
time, he was at home only once, on a furlough of ten days, and 
that was in January, 1864. He came home to see his father, who 
was very near death, and, although he would gladly have staid 
with him a few days longer, yet he could not get his furlough 
lengthened. He went back, saying it was his duty to do so, but 
if he could possibly come again he would. But his father died 
on the 16th day of March, and he never saw him again. 

While he was at home it was evident that the life of a soldier 
had not injured his Christian character. On the 15th day of 
May, 1864, his regiment left Washington, being ordered to tlie 
front. On the 19th of May, they were engaged in the battle of 
Fredericksburg Road, Virginia; on May 23 and 24, at North 
Anna River; May 31 and June 1, at Tolopotomy Creek, and at 
Coal Harbor in June. At the battle of Coal Harbor, June 3, he 
was seriously wounded. The ball entered his left shoulder and 
came out on the right side. He bled very profusely and, when 
found, was taken up by Sergeant Smith and carried to the Corps 
Hospital, where he had his wounds dressed. He was sent from 
there to the White House hospital, but, as he never reached it, 
it is supposed he must have given out on the way, and was left 



LEVI I. HARVEY. 727 

to die and to be buried by strangers. His friends have never 
heard anything from him since. Thus, far from home, without 
one to cheer his last hours, died one who was loved and respected 
by all, for his kind and gentle manners and Christian virtues. 

On the 19th day of May, he wrote a letter home, which was 
the last one ever received from him. In that, he said: "Mother 
do not worry about me. Remember that my life is in the same 
hands as yours; and, whether in the battle or at the quiet fire- 
side, unless God wills it, death cannot harm me. Kemember, He 
has taught us to say, ' Thy will be done.' " 

From the time of his enlistment until his death, he was very 
punctual in writing home. He always wrote once a week, and 
sometimes oftener. His letters uniformly breathed an earnest 
patriotism and an intense love for his home and friends. 



cv. 

LEVI I. HARVEY. 

Levi I. Hara^ey was born in the county of Kent, Rhode Island, 
December 10, 1808. 

He was apprenticed to a carpenter, and after learning his trade, 
removed to CornAvall, Vermont, where he married Phebe S. 
Bascom. After his marriage, he united himself to the Congre- 
gational Church at that place. Soon after, he settled in the city 
of Albany, and connected himself with the Protestant Reformed 
Dutch Church of that city. He was a member of that church, in 
good standing, at the time of his death. 

Although moving in the humble walks of life, he was ever 
respected by all who knew him for his great integrity and con- 
sistent Christian character. Although he, at the commencement 
of the war, was quite advanced in life, he was prompted, by feel- 
ings of patriotism, to enlist in the service of his country as a pri- 
vate in Company B, Forty-third Regiment N. Y. S. V. He was 
with his regiment in the Division of Gen. Hancock, under Gen. 
McClellan, through the Peninsula campaign, and in all the bat- 



728 SAMUEL G. LOOMIS. 

ties in which his regiment was engaged, nntil the retreat of the 
army to Harrison Landing, and their return to Alexandria, Va., 
where he was taken sick and sent to the hospital, and subse- 
quently was honorably discharged from the service for disability, 

Mr. EL^RVEY, after his return home, and recovery from his 
sickness, could not content himself to remain out of the service, 
and again re-enlisted in Company G, Second Heavy Artillery, 
Massachusetts Volunteers. He was with that regiment at the 
capture of Fort Williams by the enemy, where he was taken 
prisoner with his entire regiment, and sent to Andersonville, 
Georgia. There he died from the effect of ill treatment, received 
at the hands of the rebels, July 18, 1864. 

The record of Mr. Harvey is one among the many, of noble 
sacrifice made by loyal citizens in devotion to their country. 

It was purely christian patriotism that prompted him, in 
advanced life, to yield up the comforts of a home, and a family 
to which he was devoted, to bear his part in the great struggle 
for the maintenance of the Government; and nobly did he dis- 
charge his duty. 

His widow, Phebe S. Harvey, who is quite advanced in life, 
survives him, with five children to mourn his loss. 



CVI. 

SAMUEL G. LOOMIS. 

Samuel G. Loomis, son of Samuel and Sarah A. Loomis, was 
born in the city of Albany, March 12, 1842. He was a dutiful 
and affectionate son, and was remarkable in his youth for great 
generosity. He always felt a sympathy for the poor, and would 
often practice self denial to relieve them. He attended the Pearl 
Street Baptist Church, and for many years was a member of 
that Sabbath school. He often introduced himself to young men 
who were strangers in the city, and by doing them acts of kind- 
ness, he gained many friends. 

He enlisted October 13, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and 



SAMUEL G. LOOMIS. 729 

Seventy-seventh New York Eegiment. He was on board the 
"Merrimac" at the time that vessel came near being wrecked, 
but safely reached Port Royal. 

In a letter wa-itten on Christmas day, and addressed to his sis- 
ter, he says: 

"We bade our friends good-bye, and again set sail for parts 
unknown. 

" At daylight, on New Year's morning, we landed at Ship 
Island, a gloomy place, with dilapidated barracks looking very 
much like the ruins of some old castle. 

"I w^as afraid we were to be stationed there, and would pre- 
fer to shoulder a musket and face the enemy. We received 
orders at this place to go to Louisiana, and, accordingly, started 
for New Orleans. We passed that city, and sailed up the Mis- 
sissippi to a place called Carrolton, nine miles above. 

" This place was a marshy and unhealthy location. Where 
the tents were pitched, the water came upon them, while the 
men were sleeping." 

They received their muskets at this place, and without a 
daj-'s drill (for Samuel had never loaded a gun), they commenced 
their march up the country, the road being beset with guerrillas. 
They reached Bonnet Carre and there encamped. 

We give the following extracts from Charles' letters : 

" March 10th. Dear Mother — I was startled last night by hear- 
ing the long roll, which is the signal of trouble. I was not long 
in getting on my clothes. And in twenty minutes Company B 
was on the ground, all equipped for battle. The Major ordered 
us to load, but to his surprise, found we had done so. Col. Nick- 
ERSON rode up and complimented us highly, saying: he had per- 
fect contidence that w^e would be ready in any emergency." 

^' April, lS6d — The first week in this month an expedition 
started out from our port, consisting of the Fourteenth and Fourth 
Maine, and One Hundred and Seventy-seventh, i. e., our, Regi- 
ment, and two cannon. 

" We sailed up the Mississippi on flat boats fifty miles, and then 
followed the Amite river. On land we marched through swamps 
filled with alligators and snakes. The country being strange to 



730 SAMUEL G, LOOMIS. 

US, we lost our way, and got in what the slaves told us was the 
dismal swamp. Many boys lost their shoes, and went bare 
footed. I was fortunate in capturing a mule, and rode him, 
holding on by the mane. I managed to carry my own and seve- 
ral of the boys' muskets. After a march of twenty-two miles, 
we halted behind a pile of boards on the bank of the Amite 
river, near McGilFs Ferry. We laii on the ground. About 
midnight we were attacked by guerrillas. We opened lire on 
them, killing thirty and wounding several, and we took some 
prisoners. But one of our regiment was killed and three 
wounded. They fired over our heads. Our object was to draw 
the rebels away from Ponchatoula, where a part of our force 
intended to attack. It was a complete success. We drove 
them out, and captured cotton and turpentine amounting, in 
value, to several thousand dollars. We were absent from camp 
one week." 

On the 18th of May, his company was sent up to McGill's 
Ferry to guard the place. They suffered much while there, it 
being a swampy place, and exposed to constant rains. They had 
no shelter, not even a dry place to sit down upon, but leaned 
against the trees to rest. They were there for ten dajs, with 
seven days' rations. They were fired upon, but all made their 
escape at midnight and went to Baton Rouge. He writes 
nothing of this, but the young men who were with him give the 
information. 

The morning following they proceeded to Port Hudson, pass- 
ing through the woods while they were on fire. Samuel was 
one amono; others who took a niessai>:e to the fleet anchored in 
the Mississippi, passing the entire front during the action of the 
25th of May. He was engaged on the entrenched works before 
Port Hudson on the 14th of June. He volunteered with the 
forlorn hope, to storm the works at midnight. During the bat- 
tle Samuel was frequently heard, cheering and urging his com- 
panions on, saying, "Now is the time to make your mark," 
"Stand by the flag." 

He worked in the intrenchments forty-two days without change 
of clothing, his knapsack having been left at Baton Rouge, with 



SAMUEL G. LOOMIS. 731 

all the clothes he had. His companions told his mother that he 
would cheer them up, in those dark hours, by relating pleasing 
stories, and expressing the bright hope of meeting friends and 
loved ones at home. 

After the surrender of Port Hudson, he writes: " Mother, I 
do not consider my lot a hard one. I volujiteered to fight and 
suffer, if necessary, for the glorious cause of freedom. I do 
not regret having entered the army. It is the duty and should 
be the privilege of all young men to go, at their country's call." 

After the surrender, the regiment encamped on the bank of 
the Mississippi, about three miles from Port Hudson. Samuel 
enjoyed good health most of the time. He was never, but one 
day, off duty, and then had hurt his foot so that he could not 
get his shoe on. He was anxious to visit the Port, as he did not 
remain there long after the surrender. He walked up on the 5th 
of August, and was sun struck, which occasioned a brain fever. 
He laid on the hospital floor without bed or pillow on which 
to rest his head. The boys could not even buy a little hot 
water to make him some tea. His rations of hard tack and salt 
meat were brought him daily, and he gave them to the boys 
without a murmur. He had no kind of nourishment during the 
week he laid there, and told his companions that he was dying 
for the want of food. He prayed often, while he had his senses, 
and talked much of home — the dearest spot to him on earth. 
He expressed great anxiety to see his parents. In his delirium, 
a short time previous to his death, he thought his father had 
come. He stepped out on the balcony, shook hands, and kissed 
one of the soldiers — went back, and in a few minutes breathed 
his last. This was on the 13th day of August, 1863. His com- 
rades rolled him in his blanket and made a coffin of boards, 
which they took from a negro's cabin. They laid him in it, and 
buried him in Mount Pleasant burying ground. They cut his 
name, and the date of his death, on a board, placed at his head, 
and laid him under a magnolia tree. The evening; after he was 
buried, his friends sat by his grave and sung his favorite hymns. 
He was a good singer, and was a member of St. Paul's Church 



732 SAMUEL G. LOOMIS. 

Clioir, of this city, when quite a youth. He had been under the 
instruction of Mr, George Warren, formerly of this city. 

His parents sent for his remains, and they arrived in this city 
the 23d of December, 1863. His funeral took place at his 
father's residence, 77 Washington avenue, on the 24th, attended 
by his regiment and the members of Hook and Ladder Company 
No, 2. This company passed a series of very flattering resolu- 
tions in relation to the departed hero. 

The Eev. Mr. Bridgman, the pastor of Mr. Looms, in a dis- 
course upon our deceased soldiers, thus alluded to him: 

"There's another, whose body will be gathered with the 
honored dust — Samuel Greenfield Loomis, who died last 
August. His comrades have spoken only in the words of high- 
est eulogy of his patience under fatigue, of his manly bearing, 
of his bravery on the several occasions, when his courage was 
put to the proof, as in the charge upon the enemy's works at 
Port Hudson; while in his letters to his friends at home there is 
scarcely one but bears a grateful testimony to the goodness of 
God's Providence, or some expression of his love for the Scrip- 
tures, in reading which he was careful to maintain the early habits 
of his home." 

Then, speaking of him in connection with others, he said: 

"They went out from us with firm, l^rave steps to the exigency 
and the agony of the hour. They went not in hatred nor in 
wrath, more than those whose loyal columns they helped to fill; 
nor did you, whose pangs at their dying were greater than their 
own, send them in vengeance, but for God's honor and the sal- 
vation of the land. To-day we mourn them as our early dead. 
The battle was soon over for them — the weary march and nightly 
vigil — the contest and assault; and laying the garlands they have 
won upon their hearts, we will sufler the eager grave to fold 
them in, to their long, dreamless sleep. But fixed is our faith 
that something not of the dust, and not laid low on the field — 
something which the funeral procession cannot marshal, nor the 
earth that opens for the dead, can ever swallow up, has escaped 
alive unto the land of ])caco, unto the great triumphant company 
of the immortals." 



EDWAED A. HIGHAM. 733 

CVII. 

EDWARD AUGUSTUS HIGHAM. 

In the first regiment that left this city for the seat of war, as 
early as April, 18G1, was Edward Augustus Highajvi, a young man 
just twenty years of age; the son of Lindley and Caroline 
HiGHAM, He had for several years been a professed disciple of 
Christ, and at the time he enlisted as a soldier in defence of his 
country, he was engaged in a profitable and honorable business. 
Nothing but high motives of patriotism led him to exchange the 
quiet life of a man of business, for the trials and perils of a 
soldier. 

During the three months of his enlistment he was mostly 
engaged with his regiment (the Twenty-fifth) in perfecting the 
defences of Washington, and in building that fort which was 
subsequently called by the name of his native city. 

Eeturning to his home about the middle of July in the same 
year, Mr. Higham felt that he had not yet fully discharged his 
whole duty to his country. Indeed as her necessities had rather 
increased than lessened, and her perils had only been augmented 
by the lapse of time, he felt that he must again engage in her 
defence. And how pure and patriotic his motives were in the 
second enlistment, may be judged of by the fact, that when 
assured by friends that he might re-enter the army as a com- 
missioned oflacer, his reply was, " No, the Government does not 
need officers; it needs privates." It was therefore as a common 
soldier that Mr. Higham again entered the army, July 22, 1862. 
His connection was no *v with Co. H, in the Eightieth Regiment 
of New York Volunteers; and after passing with it safely through 
the battles of Norman's Ford, White Sulphur Springs and Gains- 
ville, was severely wounded August 30, in the battle of Bull 
Run. 

For two days and nights our young soldier remained on the 
field without assistance or nourishment; and doubtless suflered 
physical agony that no one can describe. Upon the third day 
he was picked up by one of our ambulances, and conveyed to 



734 ALEXANDER S. SLAWSON. 

the hospital at Alexandria. There, though every attention was 
paid him, both by the medical authorities and by his mother, 
who had the melancholy pleasure of being with her son in his 
last hours, he died October 10th, 1862. 

We subjoin a brief extract from a letter written by the Chap- 
lain of the hospital to the parents, a few days after their severe 
bereavement: 

" Your son was a noble young man, patient and uncomplain- 
ing in every trouble and annoyance. He was a sincere and 
humble Christian, and felt that he had no trust but in the mercy 
of his Redeemer." 



CYIII. 

ALEXANDER S. SLAWSON. 

Alexander S. Slawson was one of three patriotic brothers, 
who enlisted in the American army for the defence of the nation. 
They were the children of William and Louisa Slawson, and 
Alexander was born September 1, 1846. He was a good obedi- 
ent boy, and a member of the Sabbath school. 

He enlisted February 4, 1864, in Company D, Seventh Heavy 
Artillery Regiment. Though of a delicate constitution, he 
endured the hardships of war with a noble courage, and fought 
bravely in the battles of Fredericksburg, North Anna River, 
Spottsylvania Court House, Coal Harbor and Petersburg. In 
the battle at the last named place, his brother was taken prisoner, 
June 16, 1864, and was confined in the Andersonville prison, 
and suffered for ten long and dreary months in that abode of 
unwritten and indescribable horrors. 

Alexander was also in the battles of Deep Bottom, Frederick 
City, the second battle at Deep Bottom and at Mine Run, August 
25, 1864. There, after a hard fought battle, he was taken 
prisoner and sent first to Richmond, thence to Belle Island, and 
thence to Salisbury, North Carolina. After six mouths of 
intense suffering, he was released, having been reduced to a 
skeleton. 



WHITMAN V. R. MATTOON. 735 

An unknown friend, whose name the parents of Alexander, 
desire very much to learn, aided him to return home. When he 
reached our lines, a surgeon wished him to go to the hospital, 
but his great desire was to see once more the home of his youth, 
and the father and mother whom he so tenderly loved. To gain 
strength for the journey, he laid in a barn for two days, and 
then started for Albany. He reached home on the 20th of March, 
and the first words that he uttered on entering the house were, 
" Mother, I have come home to die." 

He lingered for ten days, and then, with perfect resignation to 
the will of God, and an implicit trust in the blessed Saviour, he 
left the trials and anguish of earth, for the peace and glory of 
Heaven. 

Alexander's third brother escaped the perils of battle 
unharmed. 

To this family of heroes, known only to us through this brief 
sketch, we tender the gratitude and admiration of the citizens of 
Albany, and the loyal people of America 



CIX. 

WHITMAN V. R. MATTOON. 

Whitman V. R. Mattoon was born in Vienna, Oneida county, 
New York. When he was less than one year old, his parents 
came with him to this city, since which time he continued to 
reside here. He was the only son of David and Sarah Ransom 
Mattoon. He possessed an amiable disposition, and was a duti- 
ful son, an affectionate brother, and a warm friend. He attended 
school regularly until he was in his sixteenth year, and acquired 
a fair English and commercial education. 

After he left school, he went into his father's office, where he 
was engaged in bookkeeping for nearly four years. He exhibited 
so much business capacity that his ftither had made arrangements 
to take him, as co-partner, into his business. When the war 
first broke out, and the first call was made for volunteers, he, 



736 WHITMAN V. R. MATTOON. 

inspired by true patriotism, desired to go and help save the gov- 
ernment of his country. But his father, who was in feeble health, 
declined to let him go, not feeling it to be his duty to sacrifice 
his only son at that time, but assured him that if the time came 
when it should be necessary, he should not object to his going. 

Time passed on, and, after the battle of Bull Eun, with its 
paralyzing effect upon the country, another call was made for 
volunteers. After giving much thought to the subject for seve- 
ral weeks, his father informed him " that the time had come when 
he thought God, humanity, and his country called for the sacri- 
fice, and that he should no longer object to his going." This 
conversation took place on September 26, 1861, which was a fast 
day appointed liy the government. 

Upon the following day, he left his father's office, where he 
had been usefully employed for several years, and a home where 
all his necessary wants were supplied, and enlisted as a private 
in Company F, Forty-fourth Regiment New York State Vol- 
unteers. The following month, he left with his regiment and 
continued in excellent health, enduring all the privations and 
dangers of the camp and field without one word of complaint; 
engaging in all the battles of his regiment, and always braving 
danger with true heroism. When the battle raged the fiercest, 
he wjis always cool and collected. 

While under General McClellan, and while retreating from 
before Richmond, he passed through the first six days engage- 
ments unhurt. But, upon the following day, at the battle of 
Malvern Hill, after being engaged in a most sanguinary struggle, 
he was reported '•'■ missing^ Since that time nothing has been 
heard from him. It was in a bayonet charge that he was last 
seen; in the front rank and in a terrible struggle. His officers 
and comrades, who have done all that men could do to ascertain 
his fate, agree that he must have fallen. All the means that 
human ingenuity can invent have been exhausted to ascertain his 
fate, and to no purpose. Whether buried or not, and if so, 
where, still remains a mystery. 

The anguish of heart, felt by his two loving sisters, to whom 
he was devotedly attached, as well as by his parents, who loved 



THOMAS GOLD WAIT, 737 

him as an only son, and who had anticipated much comfort from 
him, can be better imagined than described. That most terrible 
of all words, suspense, still weighs heavily upon their hearts and 
mars all their pleasures. 

During his childhood and youth, up to the time he left and 
went into the service, he uniformly attended Sabbath school, to 
which he Avas much attached, and always attended regularly upon 
the means of jjrace. 

A^^e can only leave the dear 3'outh and brave boy in the hands 
of that God who doeth all things well. He who notices the fall 
of a sparrow, has not overlooked this child of many prayers, 
though in the din and smoke of battle, he has been lost to the 
view of afiectionate parents and fond sisters. 



CI. 

THOMAS GOLDWAIT. 

Among those from the city of All)any who sacrificed their lives 
for the perpetuation of the Union, was Thomas Goldavait. He 
was the son of Jonathan and Jane Goldavait, and was born in 
Albany on the 20th of Novem1)er, 1828. He died at Fort Mc- 
Henryon the loth of September, 18G1. At the breaking out of 
the rebellion, Avhen an appeal was made for volunteers for the 
Union army, and Avhen patriotism alone prompted our young 
men to take up arms in defence of our country, Goldavait gave 
up his business and enrolled himself as a member of Co. E, Third 
Regiment Ncav York State Volunteers, commanded by Captain 
Blanchaed, Col. Frederick Toavnsend in command of the regi- 
ment. This regiment AA^as one of the first to leave this State for 
the scene of w^ar, and Avas among the first to engage in conflict 
AA^ith the rebels. 

While stationed at Fort McHeniy, Goldavait Avas prostrated 
by fever, and although every eft'ort was made to preserve his life, 
he died as above stated, on the loth of September, 1861. 

His death caused the deepest sorroAv among his comrades, as 

47 



738 JOHN A. LOCKLEY. 

he was universally respected and beloved. One of the most 
solemn and impressive scenes ever witnessed at the fort, was the 
last tribute of his fellow soldiers to the memory of their lamented 
associate. 

GoLDWAiT was a young man of generous impulses and a nol)le 
nature. He was frank and open hearted, a true and steadfast 
friend, and a devoted son and lirother. He was for many years 
one of the most earnest and efficient firemen of the city. Fear- 
less in the discharge of his duty, he was ever obedient to com- 
mands and prompt to execute all orders. Hundreds of his 
brother firemen bear testimony to his zeal, and gladly pay tribute 
to his memory. On one occasion, regardless of his own personal 
safety, he entered a Ijurning building, and rescued from impend- 
ing death, a maimed and feeble woman. 

To his immediate associates he was most devotedly attached, 
and each and all of them considered him a brother. They will 
ever cherish liis memory with the warmest aflection and admira- 
tion. 



CXI. 

JOHN A. LOCKLEY. 

John A. Lockley was born at No. 70 Lumber street, Albany, 
on the 22d of September, 1843, and was the son of Richard and 
HiVNNAH Lockley. He was one of the most affectionate of sons, 
always kind and obedient. He was very conscientious, and the 
least wrong act made him very unhappy. He was not a profes- 
sor of religion, but was very faithful in attending the Sabbath 
school and church. The feelings that led him to enlist were 
purely patriotic. He received no bounty; but said if his country 
needed him he was ready to devote himself to her service. He 
enlisted in Company K, Ellsworth Eegiment, Forty-fourth New 
York State Volunteers. The first battle he was in was at Hanover 
Court House, Avhere he served as first corporal. His Captain, 
AlexjVndeii McRoberts of this city, under whom he was killed, 
said that he was the best soldier in his company. He was always 



HARMON VISSCHER, JR. 739 

prompt and reacly to execute any order given to him. He was 
killed at the battle of Gaines' Mills, on the 27th of June, 18G2. 
A ball struck him just above the mouth, and passed through his 
head. Of his last moments and of his burial, we have no reliable 
information. 



CXII. 

HARMON VISSCHER, Jr. 

Harmon Visscher, Jr., was the son of Harmon and Anna M. 
VisscHER, and was born in the city of Albany, on the 18th day 
of August, 1839. He was a youth of great promise, and was ten- 
derly cared for in a Christian home and universally esteemed by 
his friends. 

Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, he joined the Bur- 
gesses Corps, and accompanied them to Washington in defence 
of the National Capital, where he remained until the Twenty- 
fifth Regiment, to which the Corps was attached, was discharged. 

He returned to his home and the city of his birth, full of 
military ardor; and, the day previous to the departure of the 
Forty-fourth, joined that regiment, to m hich he was attached uj) 
to the time of his death. He was shot through the breast, and 
was left on the battle field for dead, and remained there for a 
long time, until conveyed to the hospital. In a letter to his 
parents, dictated by himself and written by a friend, he appeared 
sanguine of his ultimate recovery, but a note appended by his 
nurse gave them but little to hope for. 

He was a member of Company G of the Forty-fourth (Ells- 
worth) Regiment and was a true patriot and brave soldier. Being 
conveyed to the hospital at Georgetown, District of Columbia, 
he was there attended by his fond mother, and everything that 
maternal affection could do was done for his comfort, and for his 
preparation for the solemnities of the future life. He breathed 
his last on Thursday, September 11th, 1862. 



740 GEORGE STEVENS. 

CXIII. 
GEORGE STEVENS. 

George Stevens, private, was ])orn in Whokengham, Berk- 
shire, England, June 26, A. D. 1825. His parents, Charles and 
Mary Stevens, were in humble circumstances, and he being one 
of a large family, was placed at some useful employment when 
young to assist his parents, and was thus deprived of the oppor- 
tunity of obtaining a good education. He was a kind and dutiful 
son, and strictly honest and industrious. He continued with his 
parents until the commencement of the year 1849, when he mar- 
ried, and a short time after emigrated to America. He came to 
the city of Alljany, and there continued to reside. He was a 
great lover of the American people and institutions, and as early 
as possible he became a citizen of the United States. He attended 
church, and loved the worship of the Lord. 

In the year 1858, he made a public profession of religion. He 
united with the State Street Baptist Church, and was a zealous, 
active, consistent Christian. He endeavored to improve his mind 
by a constant reading of the Holy Scriptures, which became his 
daily delight. In the church there was a Bible class, and the 
teacher was the late esteemed and much lamented Mr. Samuel 
Patten. Mr. Stevens was connected with this class, and as a 
reward for collecting the names of Christ found in the sacred 
scriptures, he was presented by Mr. Patten with a beautiful 
copy of the Holy Bible. 

On the breaking out of the rebellion, when the Union was in 
danger, he was moved with a becoming patriotism; and although 
he had a wife and children whom he loved and had to provide 
for, yet he declared it to be his duty to go and fight for the land 
of his adoption. He enlisted as private in Company D, Seventh 
Heavy Artillery, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment N. Y. 
S. v., on the 9th day of August, 1862, for three years or during 
the war. He was first stationed near Washington, and enjoyed 
a soldier life quite well. 



GEOKGE STEVENS. 741 

He then moved to Petersburg, where the regiment passed 
through many engagements, which he describes in his letters as 
being very severe. He also, in his letters, gave a graphic 
description of tlie dangers through which he passed, and always 
declared that he was engaged in a right and good cause, and that 
if it should be his lot to be killed on the battle field, he was per- 
fectly resigned to the will of God, in whom he trusted. He often 
urged his wife and children to trust in the same over-rulino; 
Providence, to pray much, to read the Holy Scriptures, and per- 
form all other religious duties in such a way as to gain the con- 
stant approbation of their Heavenly Father; and that if it was 
His will that they should not meet again on earth, that they might 
meet again in Heaven. 

By lying on the damp ground, and being constantly exposed, 
he contracted a severe cold, which affected his lungs, and he was 
sent to the City Point hospital. From there he was sent to 
Blackwell's Island hospital, and thence was transferred to the 
Albany Military hospital. His complaint continued to increase, 
affecting his throat, and terminated in consumption. He received 
medical aid and every attention, but rapidly failed. 

Mr. I. N. Smith, then minister of his church, with many other 
old friends, came to see him, and conversed, read and prayed 
with him. He assured them of his conlidence in God, and of 
his prospect of going to Heaven through the atonement of Christ. 
He bore all his afflictions with Christian-like fortitude, and was 
resigned to the will of his Heavenly Father. 

When it became apparent that he would not survive long, he 
informed his wife and children that he was going home ' to 
Heaven, and desired that they would prepare, that they might 
all have a joyful meeting at the resurrection of the just. He died 
in the triumphs of faith, and in the hope of a blessed immor- 
tality, on the 23d day of May, 1865. His remains were taken to 
the church, where appropriate remarks were made made by the 
minister, and from thence were conveyed to the Albany Rural 
Cemetery. 



742 ADDISON J. FELLOWS. 

CXIV. 

ADDISON J. FELLOWS. 

Addison J. Fellows was the second son of Joseph and Mary 
Fellows. He was lioni in the city of Troy, August 2d, 1839. 
His genealogy is thoroughly English, on both his father's and 
mother's side; his ancestors came from the old Puritan stock. 

While yet young his father moved to Albany, and from that 
time to his death he resided here. 

Of a genial and happy disposition, he formed a large circle of 
friends; and the mildness of his manner and his aliectionate heart, 
made him the joy of his father's family. 

At the Ijreaking out of the rebellion, although he was engaged 
in business, yet he felt greatly inclined to contribute his services 
towards maintaining the good old flag, but his friends persuaded 
him to remain at home. 

In the fall of 18G1, however, he felt so deeply that it was his 
duty to ofl'er himself to his country, that he transferred his busi- 
ness to his brother's hands, and volunteered as a private soldier 
in Company F, of the Forty-fourth New York Volunteers. The 
date of his enlistment was September, 1861. Being offered a 
higher position, he declined it, on the ground that he enlisted as 
an act of duty, and not for position. The remainder of his life 
was short. 

In December, after returning from a long picket duty, while 
the regiment was stationed at Hall's Hill, Va., he was attacked 
by tjqDhoid fever, and before his father and brother could reach 
him, although they went to him as rapidly as possible, his soul 
had returned to the God who gave it. 

Thus died one who, pure in heart and purpose, gave his life 
for his country as truly as though he had been killed in front of 
the cannon's mouth. 

Although not a professed Christian, he ever reverenced God and 
His laws, and loved the ways of righteousness. Almost one of 
his last acts was, to cno:a2:e in an evenins^ meeting with some of 
his Christian comrades. 



SAMUEL W. CHANDLER. 743 

His body was brought home, and a funeral discourse preached 
over his remains hy the Rev. Dr. Magoox, at the First Baptist 
Church. He was followed by the Fire Department and military 
of the city, and the various societies to which he belonged, to 
his last home in the All)any cemetery. Thus passed away an 
upright man, a pure patriot, and a Ijrave soldier. 



cxv. 

SAMUEL W. CHANDLER. 

The subject of this brief sketch was the son of Samuel 
Cpl\ndler, a well known and respected citizen of Albany. 

At the formation of the Forty-fourth Regiment New York 
Volunteers, known as the Ellsworth Regiment, Mr. Chandler 
enlisted, and at once secured a high reputation as a soldier. He 
participated with his regiment in several hard fought l)attles in 
Virginia. At the battle of Hanover Court House he was killed 
under the following circumstances. The Sergeant, while hold- 
ing the flag, had been shot through the head, and instantly killed. 
The flag was then seized by a man named Young, also of this 
city. No sooner had he raised it than he was shot, the ball sever- 
ing his jugular vein, when he fell. Young Chandler, who had 
been wounded in the leg and arm, and with his wounds bleeding 
crept to the stafl", and with great effort raised it the third time. 
In a moment, he was shot in the breast, and also fell. After 
lingering a few days in intense agony, death came to his relief. 
His last words were : ''I regret that I have only one life to give 
to my country." 

It is impossible to conceive of an act of noljler daring than 
that of young Chandler. His two comrades lay dead at his 
feet. He was himself badly wounded. The balls were whist- 
ling thick and fast over his head. Knowing this, it was almost 
certain death to attempt to raise the flag, yet he did not hesitate 
a moment, but gave up his life in its defence. He died nobly, 
and for his heroic act deserves the applause of the nation. From 



744 JESSE D. VAN HAGEN. 

the Colonel to the lowest private in the ranks, his memory will 
be loved and honored as long as they live. 

He leaves a Avidow and two children, who, while they mourn 
the loss of an affectionate husband and lather, yet have the 
consolation of knowing that he died a true patriot, a brave 
soldier, and added another martyr to the cause of human liberty. 



CXYL 
JESSE D. VAN HAGEN. 

Jesse D. Van Hagen was Ijorn in Cohoes, Albany county, on 
the 8th of November, 1839, and was the son of Peter and 
Mehitaijel Van Hagen. As a youth he was kind, obedient, and 
truthful. At the age of eighteen years, he became deeply inter- 
ested in the sul)ject of religion, and residing at that time in 
Albany, he l)ecanie a teacher in the Sabbath school, connected 
with the Pearl Street Methodist Church. In February, 1858, he 
made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and united with 
that church. 

When the President of the United States called for troops, he 
felt that his country needed his services, and he enlisted in 
Company K, Thirty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, 
commanded by Captain John Beverly, of Little Falls, Herkimer 
county. New York. On the 1st of June, 1861, the regiment 
received orders to start for the seat of war. Jesse having 
made preparation for the march, came home to bid his mother 
good-bye. He was remarkably cheerful, and seemed to be full 
of patriotic enthusiasm for the cause to which he had devoted 
himself. He said to his mother : " Do not be anxious about me, 
I shall be at home again one of these days." How little he 
thought, while uttering those words, that he was then looking 
upon that mother, and his other kind relatives, for the last time 
on earth ! 

Obedient to the orders received, the regiment hastened to the 
seat of war, and was at once stationed in the front, as a line of 



WILLIAM M. BRIGGS. 745 

skirmishers. In the morning, just as the light began to appear, 
a startling and crashing tire came from the concealed enemy, and 
Jesse fell, pierced through the left lung, by a bullet. The 
Captain seeing that he was wounded, ordered two men to take 
him from the battle-field. As his comrades were liftino; him 
from the ground, he received another wound, just below the 
first. He tried to speak but could not. He lingered in great 
pain for nine hours, when his brief, yet brave military career, 
was ended by death. 

Captain Beverly, to whom the youthful patriot had endeared 
himself, thus wrote home to the brother of the departed, Mr. 
William L. Van Hagen : " Your brother while with me was a 
good christian soldier. He was always ready to fill his place in 
the ranks at a moment's notice. Therefore, you may well be 
proud of him. Do not weep for him, but remember that he died 
for his country's flag. He Avas very kind to his associates, and 
always took pleasure in doing them a favor," Thus early in the 
war, at the battle of Fair Oaks, passed away this noble youth, 
in the twenty-second year of his age. 



CXVII. 

WILLIAM M. BRIGGS. 

William M. Briggs was born in Albany, Nov. 27, 1842, and 
was the son of John G. and Harriet Briggs. 

He was educated in the Wilberforce school, and was a youth 
of good talents and excellent morals. 

He was an ardent patriot, and in March, 1863, he enlisted in 
the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, and performed all the 
duties of a soldier with faithfulness and bravery. In the fol- 
lowing letter we have an account of his character and death: 

Sunday, December 13, 1863. 
Colonel — According to yoxw wish that I, as commander of Co. 
E, would furnish Avhatever information I possessed in relation 



746 HUGH HAM3IILL. 

to Private William M. Briggs, late of my company, I cheerfully 
collected the following: 

From a comrade, who w\as l)y him in the assault of July 18th, 
I learn that he Avas wounded through the bowels, when about 
one hundred yards from the fort. He exclaimed, "I'm shot," 
and attempted to press forward, but was not equal to the task, 
and fell. He was placed, after being taken from the field, on 
the steamer " Cosmopolitan," with many others, and carried to 
Hilton Head. The nature of his wound was such as to cause 
him intense pain, and he expired within an hour of the time the 
wounded were placed in No. 10 Hospital, at Beaufort. I was 
pleased to find that his body received a proper soldier's burial, 
in the Beaufort Cemetery, escorted by a detachment of the First 
S. C. Vols. 

As his Captain, I cheerfull}^ render a merited tribute to his 
memory, as a man ever a favorite among his comrades, and. as a 
soldier, prompt, diligent and eager in the performance of his 
whole duty. I have the honor to be, Colonel, 

Your obedient servant, LUIS F. EMILIE, 

Capt. Co. E, hUh Mass. 

Col. E. N. ILvLLOWELL, ComWg bUh Mass. Infantry/. 



CXYIII. 

HUGH HAMMILL. 

In the history of Mr. Hammill, we have another instance of 
patriotic ardor and heroic sufiering for the cause of human lib- 
erty; and another victim of the barbarities practiced upon our 
noble men in southern prisons. 

Hugh Hammill was born in Ireland, in the year 1844. He 
came to this country with his parents in 1846, and settled in the 
city of Albany. At the breaking out of the war, he felt that 
his adopted country needed his services, and, like many others 
of his countrvmcn, he o-ave his heart and his life to the American 
Kepublic. 



HUGH HAMMILL. 747 

He enlisted in Company E, Twenty-fifth Regiment of National 
Guards, in May, 1862, and served for three months at Suffolk, 
Va. He returned home on the 5th of Septeml)er, and on the 
14th of October he airain offered his services to the government, 
;ni(l l)ecame a member of the Tenth Eegiment. He was after- 
wards removed to the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regi- 
ment of New York Volunteers, and was Avith them in their skir- 
niislics and marches for hundreds of miles to Port Hudson. He 
Avas also in the terrific charges upon Port Hudson, and saw liun- 
dreds of his brave comrades fall, while he^ equally brave and 
daring, escaped the deadly fire of the enemy. Having most 
faithfully served the country of his adoption, he returned home, 
on the 1st of September, 1863. 

But, Avhile there was any doubt as to the issue of the struo-o-le 
in Avhich we were engaged, Mr, Hammill could not rest, and 
notwithstanding his terrible experiences at Port Hudson, and in 
the toilsome marches and skirmishes in which he had been 
engaged, he, like a noble patriot, enlisted again, and on the 19th 
of November, 1863, joined Company E, of the Seventh Heavy 
Artillery Regiment. 

He bravely fought in all the battles of the Wilderness, Coal 
Harbor and Petersburg, and through all the terri])le fires to 
which he was exposed, we do not learn that he received any per- 
sonal injury. 

On the 16th of June, 1864, he Avas captured by the rebels, 
and at the same time his Captain, and most of his company, Avere 
taken prisoners. These Avere sent to Richmond, and then to 
Andersonville prison. In consequence of the barbarous treat- 
ment Mr. Ha3imill received, he became very sick, and, Avhile 
slowly recovering, he Avas removed to another prison. At that 
time he Avas, in his feeble state of health, exposed, in the open 
air, for three days and nights, to a scA^ere rain storm. This 
brought on a relapse, and he continued to sink until the 16th of 
November, 1864, Avhen death released him from his sufferinjrs. 

It is sad to contemplate such an end, for one Avho had mani- 
fested such an ardent and persistent devotion to the interests and 
welfare of his adopted countr}'. But his deeds Avill never be 



748 WILLIAIVI J. ^VHYTE. 

forgotten, and the memory of his worth will be gratefully cher- 
ished by a large circle of relatives and friends. 

Mr. Hajminull was educated in the faith and worship of the 
Roman Catholic Church, and was a member of that church up to 
the time of his death. 



CXIX. 

WILLIAM J. WHYTE. 

William J. Whyte, the son of James and Jane Whyte, was 
born in Albany on the Gtli of March, 1843. He was a youth 
of mild and generous spirit, and of superior talents, and very 
early became interested in religious subjects. As his parents 
had lost six out of eight children, and he was the only remaining 
son, and as his father too was dead, he was specially dear to his 
widowed mother. 

When the rebellion broke out, he, in common with many 
others, was inspired with a youthful and patriotic ardor to serve 
his country in the hour of peril. He was very anxious to enlist, 
but his mother felt that he was too young to endure the hard- 
ships and dangers of war, and endeavored to persuade him to 
remain at home. But the very month that Fort Sumter was 
tired upon, April, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Third Regi- 
ment New York Volunteers, under Col. Townsend. His mother, 
however, feeling that, after the great losses she had sustained, 
she could not give up her only remaining son, obtained his dis- 
charge from the regiment. 

But the fires of patriotism were not extinguished in the heart 
of her boy. He loved his mother and sister, and the home of 
his childhood. He loved his church and his Sabbath school, for 
he had been for fifteen years a scholar, and at this time he was a 
teacher in the Albany Bethel Sabbath school, under the care of 
the Rev. John Miles. But he loved also his country, and was 
willins: to o;ive his life to sustain it. 

He waited until May 31st, 1862, when he enlisted, for three 
months, in Compiiny A, Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. V. He 



CHARLES S. HEERMANCE. 749 

served through this period with great faithfulness, and was honor- 
ably discharged. 

On the 13th of October, 1862, he again enlisted, in Company 
F, of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment New York 
Volunteers. While connected with this regiment, he displayed 
all the qualities of a good and brave soldier. But the hardships 
to which he was exposed brought on a fever, and he died in the 
hospital at Bonnet Carre, La., aged twenty years. He was Iniried 
in the hospital burial ground. 

We regret that we have no further particulars of his history. 



cxx. 

CHARLES SEDAM HEERMANCE. 

Charles Sedam Heermance was born in Albany, of pious 
parents, September 30, 1842. He was a member of the First 
Congregational Sabbath school, and was an exemplary youth. 
Being ardent in his patriotism, he joined the One Hundred and 
Seventy-seventh Regiment New York State Volunteers, Company 
B, that he might be of some service in sustaining the honor of 
his country's flag. When his regiment was ordered oft', they 
joined the Bajstks' expedition and sailed from New York for New 
Orleans, Louisiana. Shortly after their arrival, he was taken ill, 
and soon died in the hospital, April 22, 1863. His remains, with 
many others, were brought to Albany and deposited in the Rural 
Cemetery. Thus he gave his young life, a noble sacrifice, for 
his country. His noble example will long be cherished by loving 
friends and a grateful community. 

The following letter, from Captain Merrihew, shows the esti- 
mation in which he was held by his ofiicers and companions in 
arms: 

Bonnet Carre, La., April 23, 1863. 
Mr. C. J. Heermance: 

Dear Sir — The circumstances under which I now address you, 
are painful to me, while to you they will be rendered doubly so. 



750 CHAKLES S. HEERM^VNCE. 

It devolves upon me to communicate to you the sad intelligence 
of the death of your sou, Charles S. HEERMAJSfCE; he died here 
in the hospital, yesterday afternoon about two o'clock, of chronic 
diarrhoea. He had been in the hospital nearly all of the time since 
our arrival at this place. We did not consider him dangerously 
ill, and, only yesterday morning, his physician told him that he 
needed no more medicine; that with proper care of himself, he 
Avould soon recover his accustomed health; but it was otherwise 
ordered. In the afternoon, shortly after dinner, he w^as taken 
suddenly ill, and died almost immediately. 

It may seem hard that we should so suddenly be called upon 
to mourn the loss of one so young and full of promise, and being 
so far aAvay from kind friends and loved ones at home; but He 
who doeth all things well, has seen fit to take him away, and, 
wdiile we mourn his loss, we have the happy assurance that he 
has gone to that better world wdiere sickness never comes. 

Charles was a general favorite in his company, l)oth with offi- 
cers and men, and particularly so with those w^ho, like him, have 
been confined in the hospital. They miss him there, for he was 
always ready and willing to perform little acts of kindess, tow^ards 
those more unfortunate than himself. 

You will please accept the heartfelt sympathies of the company 
of which I now have the command, and of which Charles was 
a worthy meml)er, in this your great bereavement; for I can 
assure you that your son had, while being associated with us here, 
by his many amiable qualities, endeared himself to us all, and 
we feel that the place now made vacant in our ranks by his death, 
we may never hope to fill again, by one like him. 

His remains have been properly interred, with a board with 
his name cut thereon, placed at his head, to mark his final rest- 
ing place. His personal effects are in my possession. Any 
mementoes or keepsakes w^hich I may find, together with what 
little money he had, I wall retain and deliver or forward to you. 
I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, 

E. H. MERRIHEW, 
Captmn Co. B, lllth N. Y. 8. V. 



STEPHEN r. PARKS. 751 

CXXI. 

STEPHEN PUTNAM PARKS. 

Stephen, the son of William and Jane Ann Parks, residing 
at 172 Lumber street, Arbor Hill, Albany, was born October 26, 
1848. At the breaking out of the war, when only thirteen years 
of age, he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Regiment for three months 
as a drummer boy, and was stationed at Arlington Heights, Fort 
Albany. 

On the 31st of March, 1864, he again enlisted as a drummer in 
the Forty-third Regiment N, Y. 8. V. He joined the regiment 
at Brandy Stati(jn, Va., and was assigned to Company K. While 
in the service, he was in the following battles: The Wilderness, 
Va., May 5 and 6, 1864, and Spottsylvania Court House; Fort 
Stevens, Washington, D. C, July 12, and Winchester, September 
19. Capt. Wm. L. Thomson, who had command of Company K 
during that time, writes of him as a good soldier, always doing 
his duty. After the above, he was in the battles of Cedar Creek, 
Coal Harbor, and the battles before Petersburg and Richmond. 

On the 1st day of April, 1865, he was reported missing, since 
which time nothing has been heard of him. 

He was a member of the Arbor Hill Methodist E. Church. He 
became connected with the church and school under the Rev. 
Mr. Stratton's ministry, in the fall of 1860. He experienced 
religion at that time, and Avell do his friends remember how 
anxious he was about his soul. The night he went forward to 
the altar will never be forgotten by his mother. On arriving at 
home, he threw his arms around his mother's neck and said: 
" Ma, I have been up to the altar this evening to be prayed for; 
did I do wrong? " His mother told him no; that he was young 
yet, and that he would have to meet his companions, and that 
they would make fun of him. "Well, ma, I will pray God to 
help me through with it." 

About this time a young men's prayer meeting was started on 
Sunday afternoons, before preaching, which has been kept up 
until the present time. He never missed a meeting. 



752 HENRY SAYEE. 

When he left the school to go with the regiment, a copy of 
the New Testament was presented to him by his teacher, which 
he took with him to the front, and kept it as his companion. 
The last letter he wrote was before Petersburg, when he ex- 
pressed a desire to come home. He wanted to see his mother. 
He asked his mother to pray for him, and reqnested her to ask 
the school to remember him. He was a member of the evening 
class, of which his mother was the leader, and he gave promise 
of being a very useful man in the church and to society. Though 
very young, he seemed always to be governed hy a strong desire 
to do right in all things, and to discharge faithfully his duty in 
whatever position he was placed. 

The motive that prompted him to go into the army was a 
desire to serve his country, and not from any mere feeling of 
adventure or excitement. His loss was deeply felt hy his parents, 
and mourned by his many friends, to whom he had endeared 
himself by his uniform kindness. He was kind, aflectionate- and 
all Avho knew him loved him. 



CXXII. 

HENRY SAYEE. 

Henry Sayre was born in Lafayette, Sussex County, New 
Jersey, April 6, 1841. He was the son of Daniel and Rebecca 
A. Sayre, and from childhood was an aflectionate and dutiful 
boy. He was regular in his attendance at church and the Sab- 
bath school, and was a consistent member of the Washington 
Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church in Al])any. It is worthy 
of remark, that probably no Christian denomination sent so many 
relio:ious men to the war, as the Methodist Church. It is stated 
that thirty thousand of her members ofiered their lives upon the 
altars of their country during our late struggle. As a body, 
these heroes were inspired not only with strong Christian princi- 
ples and a pure patriotism, but also with a heartfelt opposition 
to slavery, that had caused the war. They believed in human 



HENRY SAYEE. 753 

rights, and in the freedom of nil men, and they wore ever found 
• in the front rank of the armies that were battling for God and 
humanity. 

Mr. Sayre, like his other Methodist brethren, was full of 
piety, patriotism and zeal in the cause that he had espoused. 
For eight months he served his country in the State of Louisiana. 
The climate and the hardships to which he was exposed brought 
on the typhoid fever, of which he died May 19, 1863. He was 
a member of Co. B, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York 
State Regiment, and was aged twenty-two years, one month, 
and thirteen days. 

His young and afflicted widow received the following letter, 
giving an account of the closing days of his life: 

Camp Bonnet Carre, La., May 21, 1863. 
Mrs. Henry Sayre, 208 Jay Street, Albany, iV. Y. 

Dear Madam — In sorrow I make the announcement of the 
death of your dear husband, Henry Sayre, of Co. B, One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-seventh Regiment New York State Volunteers. 
He died near one o'clock, 19th inst., after a lingering illness with 
typhoid fever. He had the best of medical care and attention. 
In ffict, during all my acquaintance with the sick, I never have 
seen such care and attention as was given to him. Tent mates 
John B. Slingerland, Samuel Jackson and John E. Bailey, 
are entitled to much praise for their determination to see he had 
the best of care. Night and day they watched his bedside con- 
tinually, ready to administer to his every want. Their untiring 
exertions and the best medical skill, however, failed to restore 
him, and he has gone forever from us. 

I visited him often during his illness, and felt the greatest 
anxiety about his welfare. For from my first introduction to 
him by his old friend Lieut. Bennet, of my command, who spoke 
in kind terms of his many excellencies of character, he became 
greatly endeared to me, as he did to many other officers and 
members of the regiment, who with me, mourn his loss. 

I asked him a short time before he died, if he had any word 
to leave for his wife. He said, " write her for me, and tell her 

48 



754 ROBERT A. CADAVELL, 

that my trust is in Gocl." His request that I should write you 
is my apology for doing so. Undoubtedly the tidings that your 
bosom companion is no more; that he died in a land of strangers 
far away from his home and kindred, will fall with crushing 
weight upon your heart, already made anxious by his long 
absence from you. His aged, careworn mother, whom he so 
tenderly loved, must also be stricken down by this sad bereave- 
ment. But you both liave the consolation of knowing that the 
departed was a true patriot and an earnest Christian, and that he 
died in a glorious cause and with the warm sympathies of all his 
comrades. 

I trust, dear madam, that you may receive this sad intelligence 
with Christian fortitude, and with a confiding trust in the wisdom 
of God, who " doeth all things well." 

Mr. Sayre was buried on the 20th inst. in the Brigade Ceme- 
tery. He had what is termed a Christian soldier's burial. 

With assurance of my warmest sympathy in your great afflic- 

I am truly yours, 

M. L. FILKINS, 
Cajjtain Co. G, 177 th Regt. 

The remains were, in May, 1864, brought home, and now rest 
in the sacred city of departed heroes, the Albany Rural Cemetery. 



CXXIII. 

ROBERT A. CADWELL. 

Robert A. Cadwell was born in Albany, IGth of April, 1845, 
and was the son of Levi and Eliza Cadwell. He was baptized 
in infancy in the North Pearl Street Methodist Church, and was 
early instructed in the principles and duties of the Christian 
religion. At the age of five years he became a member of the 
Sabbath school, and continued in it up to the time of his enlist- 
ment. He was a most afiectionate child, and ver}^ quick to learn 



ROBERT A. CADUELL. 755 

at home and at school. He was a great reader, and retained 
what he read or studied. 

During a revival in the Sabbath school, in 185G, he was hope- 
fully converted, and was received to the church on probation. 
At the age of sixteen he removed to Brooklyn and engaged in 
business. While residing there he felt it to be his duty to do 
all that he could for his country, and on the 17th of March, 1862, 
he enlisted as a private in the Fourteenth Brooklyn Eegiment. 
He was in the battle at Centerville, and in many other battles 
in which he distinguished himself for his coolness and bravery. 

Under date of Upton Hill, Virginia, September 3, 1862, he 
writes to his fond mother : " We have had some very hard times 
here. We have been fighting for the last nine days, and the 
slaughter has been so great, that we have but one hundred and 
fourteen men left in our regiment. Our Captain, the Colonel, 
and fifteen other oflicers have been killed or wounded. I received 
nine shots through my pantaloons and my hat, but thanks to the 
Lord, none ever grazed my body. I am completely exhausted 
and can write no more." 

In the terrible battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September, 
1862, he was shot through the heart while his regiment was 
moving in line of battle towards the enemy. He fell and 
instantly expired. 

His body, with hundreds of others, rests upon that field which 
was saturated with the precious blood of the martyrs, to the 
cause of human freedom. His soul has gone to its reward, in 
the heavenly world. 

In a beautiful tribute to his character, his Sabbath school 
teacher says, that when a member of his class, Robert was 
punctual, attentive, intelligent, and could always be relied 
upon. He then adds, " His vacant place in the Sabbath school 
tells us he has gone: but we may meet him where there are 
' no rumors of wars,' and we shall find his crown bespangled 
with stars, given to him by God, for being willing to sacrifice 
all things, even life itself, in defence of the principles of justice 
and humanity." 

In the death of this promising youth, a widowed mother 



756 JOSTAH DUNHAM. 

mourns the loss of her only child. But she is sustained by the 
consolations and hopes of the religion of Jesus; and her afflic- 
tion has quickened her activity in laboring to bring the members 
of his Sabbath school class and others, to her Saviour. 



CXXIV. 

JOSIAH DUNHAM. 

JosiAH Dunham, the son of Oscar and Gertrude Dunham, was 
born in Albany, March 14, 1842. 

Actuated by a pure patriotism, he enlisted in Company F, 
Forty-fourth New York Regiment, on the 2d of September, 1861. 

He was at the siege of Yorktown, and in the battle at Hanover 
Court House. He was shot on the 27th of May, 1862, and died 
on the 29 th of May. 

Before the fatal moment that he received his death wound, he 
had oriven evidence that he was a child of God. As the hour of 
his dissolution approached, he prayed fervently for his relatives 
and friends at home; for his country, and then for his soul, that 
God would receive it to himself Lifting himself in his bed, 
with a countenance radiant with peace and joy, he exclaimed to 
his tent mates: "Now, I am ready," and soon after he slept in 
Jesus. 

JosiAH loved to read his Bible; he loved to pray, and labored 
to live the life of a true Christian. Before entering the army, 
he attended the First Baptist Church in Albany, and was a mem- 
ber of the Sabbath school. 

The following letter, from Capt. Allen, was received by the 
father of the deceased: 

Gen. F. J. Porter's Division, Camp near / 

New Bridge, Va., June 4, 1862. \ 
Mr. Oscar Dunham: 

Dear Sir — I have a melancholy though sacred task to perform, 
which I hardly know how to approach. 



JOSIAH DUNHAM. 757 

You have doubtless heard, ere this reaches you, of the severe 
battle of Hanover C. H. on the 27th of May; that the Forty- 
fourth New York was engaged and got badly cut up, and that 
Company F, in particular, suffered terribly. 

Your son, Josiah, was mortally wounded, and died on the 26th. 
I saw him the day after the battle, and it is in compliance with 
his request tliat I write to you. He was lying in a room with two 
other men, mortally wounded like himself. His eyes were.closed 
and he was apparently unconscious; but when I took his hand 
and asked him if he knew me, he said, rousing up, but with a 
good deal of effort, "Oh, yes, I know you. Captain," but imme- 
diately relapsed into his former state. I thought it not best to 
excite him, and turned to another of our wounded men, when I 
was surprised to hear him call in quite a strong voice, " Captain." 
I immediately knelt beside him. "If anything should happen 
that I shouldn't stand it out, I want you to write to my friends." 
I promised to do anything for him in my power, and asked the 
address, and if there was any particular thing which he wanted 
said to you. He replies: " Tell them how I died, and give my 
love to my mother and sisters, and send them this picture. I 
want them to give it to the owner." 

He died like a brave man, in a good cause, and his last thoughts 
were with his mother and sisters, and the friend he loved. 

You have my warmest sympathies in your bereavement, and 
in your severe affliction. The manner and circumstances of his 
death will, I hope, be a consolation to you. I send the picture, 
as he requested, and as he also requested me to write to the 
owner, please allow her to read this. 

I am, sir, very truly yours, C. ALLEN, 

Cajptain AUh JV. Y. Vols. 



758 JOHN C. CALVEELY. 

CXIV. 

JOHN C. CALVERLY. 

John C. Calvekly left Albany as a member of Company F, 
(Albany Co.) Forty-fourth Eegiment N. Y. S. V., when that regi- 
ment left this city for the war. He was then eighteen years 
old. He was, with his company, always on duty from that time, 
until he was taken sick three weeks before his death. His whole 
heart was with the cause for which he had given his life. In 
several instances during his short term with his company, he was 
compelled to fall behind from fatigue during the march, but 
always doing so unwillingly, and always at his post again before 
a halt. He w^as on picket all night before he was taken with 
the sickness which resulted in his death. Fever was broug-ht 
on by his over-exertion, and the unhealthy atmosphere of the 
Peninsula. 

He died on the 6tli day of May, 1862, on board the steamer 
" Ocean Queen," then used as a military hospital. His body was 
embalmed and sent to Baltimore, in charge of Corporal D. W. 
Chandler, who there delivered it to a brother of the deceased 
soldier. The remains were taken to Albany, and on the 14th 
day of May were buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery. The 
cause of his death is sufficient proof of his fidelitj^ as a soldier; 
and the company of which he was a member, at the time of his 
death, in a series of resolutions, expressed their sincere regard 
for him as a citizen and comrade, and their appreciation of his 
many good qualities. 



FERGUS MADDEN. 759 

CXXYI. 

FERGUS MADDEN. 

Of this brave soldier the "Albany Times " thus speaks in con- 
nection with his comrade, Mr. Scaiiall: 

Of Fergus Madden we need not speak in terms of praise, his 
deeds are his best eulogy. Like Scahall, where he was most 
intimately known he was best loved and respected as a generous 
and true hearted friend, manly and straightforward in all his 
associations, of an irreproachable character and unsullied name. 
He was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-second New 
York Volunteers, having enlisted in August, 1862. Possessed 
with a laudable ambition of gaining a position in the profession 
of arms, while in daily expectation of receiving a slight acknowl- 
edgment of his services in the field, he was captured on the 6th 
of May last, during the battle of the Wilderness. 

As a prisoner of war he conducted himself, as he always did 
when conscious of having done his duty, with " complacency and 
truth and manly sweetness." 

But a few months since, these young men were in the midst 
of an extended circle of friends and relatives, in the enjoyment 
of perfect health and all the comforts of a home, surrounded, as 
they were, by everything that tends to make home happy. But, 
true and patriotic, they fully appreciated the magnitude of the 
contest, and knew that strong arms and loyal hearts could alone 
avert the fearful calamities that threatened their country. With 
these were they liberally endowed, and these they have dedicated 
to their country's service. Neither died as soldiers wish to die, 
on the field of battle, amid the shouts of contendino; armies. 
They pined within the dreary walls of a southern prison, fjir 
from friends and home, the victims of a disease that slowly but 
surely preludes death. Not even were they allowed to die 
beneath the starry folds of the old flag they had borne victoriously 
through many a fight. It was, however, some mitigation of the 
horrors of death in their miserable abode, that two such friends 
as they were from boyhood up, should cheer each other in their 



7G0 GEORGE W. SCHERMERHOEN. 

efibrts to keep alive the spark of hope, and lighten the evils of 
the disease under which they lay prostrate. Both died in the 
morning of life, ere the flowers of early manhood had yet 
bloomed and l)rjghteued, to promise a future of honor and suc- 
cess. Albany may well feel proud ot the patriotic and heroic 
baud of martyrs, who have yielded up their lives in the cause of 
liberty and union. 



CXXVII. 

GEORGE W. SCHERMERHORN, 

OF RENSSELAERVILLE. 

George W. Schermerhorn was born in Durham, Greene 
county, New York, March 25, 1838. The names of his parents 
are Daniel and Lucinda Schermerhorn. 

The only information that I have lieen alile to obtain concern- 
ing him, is furnished in the following letter from his faithful 
Chaplain, the Rev. L. H. Pease, addressed to Mr. Allen Peck: 

Mr. Allen Peck : 

Dear Sir — Before this reaches you, }'ou will probably have 
learned from other sources that you have been called to lay a 
costly ofl:ering on the altar of your country, one which will cause 
you deep sadness of spirit. 

That select and esteemed regiment, the Forty-fourth, which 
left Alliany a few weeks since with so much eclat, and so many 
hurrahs, has met a sterner and more relentless enemy than the 
rebels, even the king who wields his iron scepter everywhere, 
the king of terrors. And your son (Mr. Schermerhorn), has 
been called as one of the first fruits of the oflering of the Ells- 
worth regiment on the altar of liberty. 

Soon after we left Albany, the measles broke out, and this, 
together with the great change in the manner of life at this 
season of the year, and the great exposures to which the men 
have been subjected while getting used to camp life, have caused 
us to be visited with more than usual sickness. 



GEORGE W. SCHEEMERHORN. 761 

But not till this week have any died. This week five have 
died, fonr in our midst, and one in Calorama hospital, on the 
other side of the Potomac. The first, a son of Euwakd Gard- 
ner, of West Burlington, Otsego county, died on Monday eve- 
ning last, or rather Tuesday morning about one o'clock. The 
second, a son of Colonel K. Belcher, of Newark Valley, Tioga 
county, (I think) died about nine and a half on Wednesday eve- 
ning, and on Thursday at about the same hour or a little later, 
your son George was called to bid adieu to earth. 

About the same hour John Hines, of Evans' Center, Erie 
county, was called away, and also a man by the name of Wilson 
on the other side of the river. A sad week, long to be remem- 
bered. 

Whether your son has fought a good fight or not, the battle is 
over. He has finished his course and has been early called to fill 
a soldier's honored grave. But, though he died far from kindred 
and home, think not that he died unattended and friendless. 
We are all l)r()thers in this regiment. I conversed and prayed 
with him a great many times during his sickness, and did every- 
thing in my power to lead him to Christ. A hospital in the 
camp is one of the worst places in the world, in which to pre- 
pare to die in. But, though no mother or sisters attended him 
in his last hours, the blessed Saviour was just as near as he 
could have been, if our young friend had been at home sur- 
rounded by friends; and the road to heaven is as short and 
straight from here, as there, and God will take care of his dust 
wherever it may lie. 

His disease, in its later stages, was typhoid fever. He partially 
recovered, and came over from the hospital to the camp a little 
too soon, which was followed by a relapse. I cannot detail in 
this place, the particulars of the diflerent conversations which I 
held with him. I repeatedly urged him to cast himself entirely 
upon Christ, and endeavored to explain to him how to do it; and 
more than once he alBrmed that he did so. Whether he really 
did give himself away, God only knows. 

The last conversation that I had with him was on the day that 
he died. I asked him, among other things, if he could put his 



702 GEORGE W. SCIIERMEEHORN. 

trust entirely in Christ. "Yes, sir," he replied, "with perfect 
confidence." I prayed with him, and urged him to pray, and left 
him to see him here no more. 

We must leave him in the hands of God; but let his surviving 
relatives beware how they put off repentance to that worst of all 
times to prepare to die, the death bed. And let them remember, 

" Hearts like muffled drums are beating 
Funeral marches to the grave." 

I was in favor of having his remains sent home; so also were 
many of his company. You can have them sent home now if you 
desire it, by making the necessary arrangements. It is true, no 
matter where our dust lies, God will take care of it wherever it 
may be; yet we have a preference. Many a soldier sleeps on 
this " sacred soil;" a soil too sacred now for the tread of slaves. 
And of some of these soldiers it maj^ truly be said: 

'' Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note, 
As his corse to the cold grave was hurried, 
Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot 
O'er the grave where the hero lies buried." 

But those uncoffincd and unmonumental graves shall only make 
this whole land more tlear in our sight, and nerve and gird our 
spirits for its defence and deliverance. 

1 trust you will never regret having sent your son foi-th. He 
could not have died in a more glorious cause, or fill a more 
honored grave. Kather be prepared to send another, if need be, 
to fill his place. And may He who is a very present help in 
every time of trouble, be better to you than sons or daughters. 
So may you profit by this affliction that you Avill have occasion 
to thank God through eternity, that it was sent. Accept, I pray 
you, the sympathies and kind regards of a stranger but a friend. 

Yours, truly, 

L. H. PEASE, 
Chaplain ^Mh N. Y. S. V. 

Hall's Hill, Va, iVor. 24, 18G1. 



WILLIAM SNELL. 763 

CXXVIII. 

WILLIAM SNELL. 

What we have been able to learn of this patriot is coniniinii- 
cated in the following letter from one of his parents: 

"William Snell, son of James and Eliza Snell, Avas born in 
Albany, November 24, 1838. At the commencement of the 
rebellion, he felt it to be his duty to offer his services in defence 
of his country. Being a member of the Tenth Regiment, he 
voted, with the company, to offer their services to the Governor, 
and they were accepted. They were sent to New Orleans, and 
there he served as Quartermaster's clerk. After the battle of 
Port Hudson, they started for home, having been absent ten 
months. He arrived in Albany on the 1st of Septeml^er. 

" The regiment lost most of their men, and those who sur- 
vived were in a sick or dying condition. He remained home 
about three months, until he recovered from the fever, of which 
he had a severe attack. Very soon there was another call for 
three hundred thousand men to join the army. Our dear son 
returned to the war, giving as his reason for doing so that it was 
the duty of unmarried men to be foremost in the defence of their 
country. 

"He went to Brooklyn and joined the Seventh Heavy Artillery, 
Company H, which was sent to Fort Eeno, D. C. Being a ready 
writer, he was detailed for bookkeeper for the Colonel. While 
at Fort Reno his leisure moments were spent in teaching his 
comrades mathematics and war tactics. 

" On the 2d of June, they received orders to go down to the 
front, to a place called Coal Harbor, near Peterslnirg. I need 
not inform you that the fight was terrific, and there fell several 
hundred of our men. Many were wounded, and those who 
remained, were captured. 

"William Snell was among the captured. Three days after 
the battle of Coal Harbor, which was on the 3d of June, he was 
missing. Nothing further was heard of him until we were 
informed by the Second Auditor of the settlement of his affairs, 



764 EDMUND HOLMES. 

and we ascertained he had died on the 10th day of October, 1864, 
in a rebel prison. When he died, his age was twenty-five years, 
ten months and fifteen days. 

"He corresponded with each of the family in turn until the 
31st of May. His letters were very affectionate. He had a 
pleasing way with him, which gained friends wherever he Avent. 
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which 
his parents and sisters belong. While he Avas absent, he used to 
say in his letters that he was striving to attend to his religious 
duties. 

" He was very strongly attached to the Sabbath school, and as 
a teacher, he was much beloved and respected. He was benevo- 
lent to the poor, and was naturally kind and sympathetic to those 
who were in trouble, and to the sick. We hope to meet him 
among the angels, where all tears shall ])e wiped from our eyes, 
and where parting shall be no more." 



CXXIX. 

EDMUND HOLMES. 

Edmund Holmes was born in Chiverack, Columbia county, in 
the year 1835. He was the son of Joseph and Cathakine Holinies, 
From his childhood, he was noted for his truthfulness and his 
obedience to his parents. 

At the time the war broke out, he was a shoemaker by trade, 
and had a wife and several children. His strong love of country 
led him to enlist July 17, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thir- 
teenth Regiment N. Y. V. 

His regiment Avas stationed at Fort Reno, D. C, for nearly tAA^o 
3'ears. In May, 1864, it received marching orders, and all 
through the battles of the Wilderness that regiment was ever 
distinguished for its bravery. On the 16th of June, many of the 
regiment were taken pi'isoners hy the enemy, and among the 
number Avas P^dmunf) Holmes, He Avas taken to Andersonville, 
Ga,, Avhcre he remained until removed by death, August 21, 



MINOT H. PEASE. 765 

1864. His sufFerings were very great, yet he never regretted 
enlisting for his eonntry. A short time before he died, he spoke 
to a friend, who was with him, of his extreme exhaustion, and 
turning over upon his side he expired. He was buried where he 
died, and where many of our bravest and best are sleeping. 

Mr. Holmes was a good citizen, a true patriot, a brave soldier, 
and a kind husband and father. As his children grow up, they 
will have the consciousness that their father g-ave his life for his 
country; that even amid the horrors of a most foul and cruel 
imprisonment, he did not regret the sacrifices that he was making 
for liberty and the American Republic. 



CXXX. " 

MINOT HENRY PEASE. 

MiNOT Henry Pease was born in Albany, August 19, 1843, 
and died September 23, 1862, aged nineteen years. 

One month after he reached his eighteenth year, he obtained 
the consent of his father to enlist, which he did at Fort Snellinsf 
on the 23d of September, 1861, in Company D, Second Regiment 
Minnesota Volunteers. , He was in the battle of Mill Springs, 
and was one of those who met the enemy face to face, and fought 
hand to hand over the fence. Lieut. Tuttle writes to his father: 
"Your son went into the battle at my side, and fought like a 
man. He has gained a name with the Second Regiment." 

He was also in the intrenchments at Fort Donelson, and 
brought home some trophies, after presenting his officers with a 
handsome secesh portfolio. 

He was taken with typhoid fever at Louisville, from which he 
partially recovered, and, being anxious to keep up with his regi- 
ment, joined in the march of Gen. Buel from Nashville to Pitts- 
burg Landing, and was on that bloody field just after the fight. 
The fatigues and exposures of this forced march were too much, 
and he was reduced by chronic dysentery, and forwarded by 
Lieut. MouLTON to the Pacific hospital, St. Louis, with the first 



766 JOHN VAN BUEREN. 

loiid of wounded from that saiiguiuary field. On the 30th of 
April last he obtained a furlough, and came home to die among 
his kindred. He received his discharge for disability on the 16th 
of July. Since then he has suffered extremely, and at last his 
disease ran into insanity, from which he only partially recovered, 
and which terminated his life. 



CXXXI. 

JOHN VAN BUEREN. 

John Van Bueeen was born on the 19th day of November, 
1833, in the city of Dordrecht, Holland. He was the son of 
Daniel Van Bueren and Martina P. Anker, who emigrated to 
America with him in the year 1848. Having a desire for a sea- 
faring life, he left home at the age of twenty years, and visited 
Holland, the East Indies and other countries. He returned home 
after an absence of three years. During his absence, his letters 
were always marked by a great aflection for his relatives at 
home. After his return and before his enlistment, he regularly 
attended the Holland Dutch Reformed Church of Albany, and 
was a member of the Bible class. Had he not been called from 
home by the war, he would undoubtedly have become a member 
of the church. 

The Rev. Mr. Huboldt, then pastor of the church, had great 
confidence in John, and deeply felt his loss from the city. At 
the breaking out of the war, John exhibited an ardent patriot- 
ism, and when advised not to go into the army, he replied that 
his heart was with his adopted country, and he was willing to 
offer up his life, if necessary, to sustain it. When advised by 
his mother not to go, he answered: "Mother, you w^ill be 
proud of me when I return home." He enlisted on the 18th of 
Ma}^ 1861, in Capt. Gridley's Company A, Eighteenth New 
York Volunteer Infantry. He participated in all the l)attles 
that his regiment was engaged in under Gen. G. B. McClellan, 



SAMUEL W. KELLY. 767 

and was universally beloved and respected in his company as a 
sincere friend and brave soldier. 

On the 14th day of September, 1862, at the battle of South 
Mountain, Maryland, while making a charge with his regiment, 
he was shot through the head, and almost instantly killed. He 
did not speak after receiving his wound. He was buried l)y his 
comrades on the farm of Mr. Jacob Goodman, near the village 
of Burketville, Md. 

At the time of John's death, his father and brother had just 
returned from a three months' service in the Twenty-fifth N. Y. 
Militia. 

Immediately upon hearing of his death, his father proceeded 
to the battle ground, but was unable to find the grave. It was, 
however, afterwards found by his brother, who was then a mem- 
ber of the Forty-third New York Volunteers. The head-board 
contained the following inscription, roughly carved by some 
friendly hand: 

"John Van Bueren, Co. A, 18th N. Y. Vols. 

" Killed September 14th, 1862. 

"A Brave Soldier." 



CXXXII. 

SAMUEL W. KELLY 

Samuel W. Kelly was born at Albany, April 8th, 1842, and 
was the son of George W. and Julia A. Kelly. His father 
died when he was an infant. When a child he was bright 
and intelligent, with good moral habits. He was baptized 
in the Methodist chui-ch, the Sabliath School of which he 
attended. From his childhood up, he always respected religion. 

At the breaking out of the rebellion, he was moved from 
patriotic motives to enlist in defence of his country. He joined 
the Thirty-fourth Ncav York State Volunteers, and served with 
the regiment nine months, when he was discliarged on account 
of sickness. 



768 SAMUEL W. KELLY. 

After returning home, he enlisted May 31st, 1862, in Company 
A, N. Y. S. V. G. M., and served out his time of enlistment. 
When on his way home, he was shipwrecked, and suffered greatly 
for want of clothing. The ladies of Philadelphia kindly furnished 
him with the articles he needed. Notwithstandino; all the suffer- 
ings and hardships which he had previously passed through, he 
again enlisted against the entreaties and persuasions of his friends. 
He felt it to be his duty to help to put down the rebellion. 
When asked by his friends, if he was not afraid of being shot, 
he replied that he was willing to lay down his life for his 
country. 

In November he enlisted in the (Tenth N. Y. M.) One Hundred 
and Seventy-Seventh N. Y. S. V., Company A. He served with 
the Eegiment through the Louisiana campaign of General Banks, 
and w^as at the sieg-e of Port Hudson when it surrendered to the 
union forces. He was one of the first to carry provisions to the 
starving rebels. 

Before his departure for home he was taken sick with a fever, 
and suftered greatly until he arrived at Rochester, where he was 
kindly cared for. He was taken to St. Mary's hospital, where 
he was met by his mother. He never for once murmured, or 
regretted having enlisted. He requested the prayers of his 
mother and friends at home, and appeared satisfied when told 
that his mother had always prayed for him. He died September, 
1863, believing and trusting in the Saviour. His body was 
brought to Albany, and buried in the Rural Cemetery. 

The following notice of him appeared in the Albany " Knicker- 
bocker." 

Death of a True Hero — Another Victim of Disease. — It 
becomes our painful duty, this morning, to chronicle the death 
of another member of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh 
(Tenth) Regiment — another victim of disease — Samuel Kelly, 
of Company A, having departed this life on Wednesday after- 
noon. He died in the hospital at Rochester, and it is consoling 
to know a kind and aflectionate mother, and doting brother 
attended him in his last moments. Young Kelly at first enlisted 
in the Thirty fourth Regiment, and went off as a private in the 



SAMUEL W. KELLY. 769 

first rank. He served faithfully for some eight months, when he 
was stricken down by disease, and, it being thought that he could 
not recover, he received an honorable discharge on account of 
disability. He came home, and with kind nursing and good care 
was soon able to leave his bed, and, shortly afterwards, recovered 
entirely from his sickness. His love of country would not per- 
mit him to remain at home, so that when the Twenty-fifth Regi- 
ment left for the seat of war the second time, prominent among 
its gallant boys was the su])ject of this sketch. He passed 
through the Virginia campaign, and returned with the regiment 
when its time had expired. Again, when the One Hundred and 
Seventy-seventh Regiment started on its long and perilous jour- 
ney through the " sunny south," young Kelly could not be pre- 
vented from accompanying it, and for the third and last time he 
bade farewell to friends and home, intent in his patriotic motives, 
if need be. to ofler up his young life as a sacrifice in behalf of 
the rijxhts of his native land. 

We sincerely condole with the afflicted mother in her distress 
at the loss of her In-ave boy. His w^as a noble death, and though 
in his patriotism he dared its terrors on many battle fields, a 
gracious Providence wdlled it otherAvise. He was spared the 
agony of death on rebel soil. His last moments on this earth 
were passed amid the kind attentions of a loving mother, whose 
presence rendered his dying moments easy. The kind Avords of 
a fond mother, Avere to him in his dying hours a consolation 
Avhich made death's terrors less jDainful to the gallant youth; 
and those hands wdiich first caressed him Avhen a babe, now 
smoothed the pilloAV of the dying boy, and closed his eyes in 
death. 



49 



770 JOSEPH GLADDING. 

CXXXIIL 

JOSEPH GLADDING. 

Joseph Gladding was the son of Tijiothy C. and Saeah Ann 
Gladding. Timothy Gladding, his father, was born December 
26th, 1810, and became an eminently christian man, esteemed 
and beh)ved by many friends. He was converted March 1, 1835, 
and united with the Methodist Church, of which he was an active 
member. He was appointed class leader February 7th, 1837. 
From the time of his conversion until his death, he was ever 
ready and willing to labor for Christ. Shortly before his death 
he said: " For him to live is Christ; but to die, is gain." He 
departed this life December 14th, 1850, with bright hopes of 
immortal happiness. 

His oidy son, Joseph, was born in Albany, February 19, 1845. 
He enlisted, December 26th, 1863, in the Eighteenth New York 
Cavalry, and left Albany for Elmira December 28th, arriving 
there on the morning of the 30th. They remained in the bar- 
racks at that place until February, when they were sent to Wash- 
ington. They went into camp there for five days, and left Wash- 
ington for New Orleans, February 20th, and went into barracks 
there, where they remained. As the company to which he 
belonged Avere not supplied with horses, they were not sent 
with the Red River expedition, but went to Brashear City, on 
guard duty. They were there nearly a month. Not long after 
he was taken sick with chills and fever and diarrhcea, and was in 
the camp hospital about two weeks, when he was removed to the 
Marine hospital at New Orleans. 

On the 26th of September he received a furlough for forty 
days, and came home, hoping to recover his health. But when 
his furlough expired his health was no better, yet he was anxious 
to return to his regiment, but was unable to do so until March; 
and, although very feeble then, he felt that he must go. He left 
Albany for New York March 10th; remained there until the 
16th, when he went to New Orleans, arriving there after a tedious 
passage of sixteen days. He reported at the Marine hospital, 



JOHN G. PERKINS. 771 

and the doctor, after examining him, said he must go right back 
to New York by a hospital Ijoat that was to start that day. Ho 
had a quick passage, arriving at the McDougal liospital, April 
8th. Thence he was conveyed to the Albany hospital, where 
lie arrived Saturday, April 15th. He was then very sick, and 
much fatigued by his jonrney. Everything, however, was done 
for him that could be done, but he failed fast, and on Tuesda}-, 
April 18th, 1865, he died, aged twenty years. He was not con- 
nected with any church, but he felt the need of a Saviour, and 
requested his friends to pray for him, and he prayed for himself, 
and we hope his prayers were answered. 

Joseph was a kind and atfectionate son and brother, and his 
loss is deeply felt by his relatives and friends. 



CXXXIY. 

JOHN G. PERKINS. 

John G. Perkins, son of John II. and Elizabeth A. Perkins, 
was liorn in Albany November 15th, 1846. He was an only son, 
and during his boyhood he attended the Experimental school. 
While in Albany, the family attended the Congregational church, 
and he was a member of the Sabbath school. In 1857 his 
parents removed to Hoboken, New Jersey, where he joined the 
Dutch Reformed Sabbath school; his father beino; a member of 
the Dntcli church. 

At the commencement of the war, his father, like many others, 
lost all his property in the Southern trade. He then went to 
Washington on business, where he was taken sick and died; leav- 
ing a wife and two children (a son and daughter) to mourn his 
loss. 

After his father's death, John had a situation offered to him 
in a dry goods store in Columbus, Ohio, where he had an uncle 
residing. His uncle being a member of the Methodist church, 
he joined the Bible Class connected with that church. He had 
not been there very long when his Sabbath school teacher com- 



772 JOHN G. TEEKINS. 

mcnced raising a company for the war. He being anxious to 
light for his country, joined his teacher's company in August 
1862; being then only sixteen years of age. Being unaccustomed 
to any hardships, he was taken sick while on board the boat that 
was conveying his regiment, the One Hundred and Thirteentl/ 
Ohio Vohmteers, from Louisville, Kentucky, to Nashville, Ten- 
nessee. He grew worse, and when they arrived at Nashville it 
was necessary to take him to the General hospital. No. 3, where 
after two weeks' sickness he died of typhoid pneumonia, at the 
age of seventeen. 

Word w^as sent to his mother of his sickness; but before she 
could o-et to him she received tidino;s of his death. She then 
went to several of the leading men of this city, to ascertain if 
she could have his remains sent home; but they gave her no 
encom-aoement whatever, as no bodies were brouoht North at 
that time. Through the kindness, however, of Dr. Ewing, the 
body was embalmed and placed in a metallic coffin, and sub- 
sequently sent home. The mother received many letters from 
the doctor and the nurse regarding her son. In one from the 
doctor, he says: "Your son fully realized the awful change that 
was so soon to take place; but the nurses all assured me that he 
was resigned and happy, and appeared to feel that beyond the 
grave, he would be free from the strife and turmoil that had sur- 
rounded him for the last few months. He spoke often of his 
mother and his little sister Grace, and wanted to see them very 
much; but that pleasure was denied him. 1 believe he was truly 
w^orthy of a mother's love." 

In one of the letters she received from his Captain, he says: 
"I truly sympathize with you in your loss, and I would like to 
have been with your son in his last moments. I have been told 
that he seemed anxious to see me to tell me something; perhaps 
a message to his mother or his little sister; or perhaps he w\anted 
me to petition the throne of grace for him. I would willingly 
have done all I could to relieve his sutferino-s; but he is o-one. 
What is our loss may be his gain. ' God doeth all things well;' 
let us trust in Him." 

His mother received many letters from her son while he was 



AAllON P. SPRINGER. 773 

in the army. In one he says: " I have bought a nice Bible, and 
shall read it every day. If I get killed, or die on the battle 
field, don't mourn for me; but remember I die defending my 
country, and I hope we shall all meet in Heaven," 

In another letter written just one month before he died, he 
speaks of his camp life and reading his Bible. He then sent his 
mother a lock of his hair. 

John entered the army from a pure love of liberty. He 
abhorred the system of slavery, and took every opportunity to 
show his kindness to the unfortunate colored race. 

On one occasion, having found an aged colored man who had 
no home and was without food, he took his own dinner to him, 
and supplied his wants until he was provided with a home. 

While in the army, John was greatlj^ beloved by his officers 
and comrades. He was also an aftectionate and dutiful son, and 
his early death has tilled the heart of his widowed mother with 
the deepest sorrow. 



cxxxv. 

AARON P. SPRINGER. 

Aaron P. Springer joined the Eighty-first Regiment of New 
York Volunteers in September, 1861. He had, a few weeks pre- 
vious to his joining this regiment, in company with Capt. John 
Cook, of this city, formerly of the Ninety-first Regiment N. Y. 
v., endeavored to raise an independent company for the war; 
but through the urgent request of his friends, he was persuaded 
to go to Fort Ontario, Oswego, where the Eighty-first Regiment 
was being organized. But having been disappointed in obtain- 
ing there a commission, which he had every reason to expect, he, 
inspired with a pure patriotism, had his name enrolled as a pri- 
vate in Company F, and started with the regiment for the seat 
of war. 

Being fifty-four years of age, the arduous duties and long 
marches soon began to wear on his frame, and after passing safely 
through the great battles of the summer of 1862, under Gen. 



774 GERPJT H. VAX DENBURG, 

McClellax, immediately after that memoral>le Ijattle of Fail 
Oaks, he was worn out, and came to the hospital at Washington. 
In a few days he received leave of absence to visit his home. He 
arrived home, where he was warmly welcomed by his family, for 
he was an indulgent father and kind husband. He was greatly 
exhausted, and received every attention that the love of his family 
could render; l)ut in a few days he passed from time to eternity. 

His two sons, Adrian and Charles, soon after joined the army 
of freedom, both of whom were severely wounded — Adrian at 
Coal Harbor, and Charles at Petersburg, Va. Surely, none 
could have done more for their country, than this noble and 
patriotic family. 

As to the character of Aaron P. Springer, it was spotless. 
He was a noble citizen, and those with whom he associated, well 
remember the genial smile with which he always greeted them. 
It was often said of him that he never had an enemy. 

His remains lie in the beautiful church yard at Schenectady, 
where the turf grows over a good citizen, an affectionate father, 
a brave soldier and a pure patriot. 



CXIXVI. 

GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG, 

OF GUILDERLAND. 

Gerrit H. Van Denburg, son of Teunis and Maria Van Den- 
burg, was born in the town of New Scotland, Albany county, 
June 21, 1837. From a child he was thoughtful and mature and, 
when quite young, he was looked to for advice and counsel, by 
his brother and sisters. As a son he was very obedient, dutiful 
and affectionate. Study was a rare enjoyment for him, though 
he longed to store his mind wnth knowledge. Being the oldest 
living son, he was kept much from school to labor on the farm. 
His taste for reading was very great, and his favorite books, when 
yoimg, were the histories of nations and the biographies of dis- 
tinguished men. 



GEKRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 775 

He was converted in the month of Angnst, 1857. Soon after 
this important event, he wrote thus to his mother: 

" Dear ^Mother — I shall now reveal to you the great joy of my 
heart. For more than a week I have been praying, in secret, 
that my sins might he forgiven. Last Friday night, the Lord 
gave the blest assurance that they were, and I have been happy 
ever since. I am now determined to give up this world and 
prepare for that which is to come. I am impressed with the 
thought that I am called to preach the gospel. Pray for me, my 
dear mother, that I may l)e faithful unto death," 

Gerrit immediately united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and was, ever afterward, an active useful Christian. He 
was not satisfied to enjoy God's love alone, but besought many 
of his associates to turn to Christ and live. Feeling it to be his 
duty to preach the gospel, he consulted with several eminent 
ministers, who gave him encouragement; and he commenced 
teaching in the spring of 1858, as a means of gaining funds to 
educate himself. He taught one year, during which time he was 
the means of bringing several of his scholars and friends to 
Christ, He then attended school at the New York Conference 
Seminary until his funds were exhausted, when he again resorted 
to teaching. In this way he taught and attended school alter- 
nately, until the month of August, 1862, when he enlisted in the 
Eleventh New York Battery, known as the Havelock Battery. 
He had thought of enlisting from the very first, but was prevented 
by the feeling that he ought to pursue his studies for the ministry. 
In writing to his brother, who thought of enlisting, he said: "I 
say Amen; only feel yourself prepared to die, and able and 
wilUng to endure hardships. Do not go unless your heart is in 
the cause, and you feel it to be your duty. Had I not felt that 
my duty was in a different direction, I should have been in the 
field ere to-day." 

When urged to stay at home, by those who thought he ought 
to pursue his studies for the ministry, he said: I can better go 
than some man with a family. I have no appointment for preach- 
ing yet, and perhaps I can do more good in the army than any- 



776 GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 

where else. I have made it a subject of prayer, and if God leads 
me that way I'll go." 

He entered the tield August the 14th, 1862, a short time before 
the battle at Manassas; in which he did his part as a true soldier. 
He was also in the battles of Gettysburg and Spottsylvania, and 
the o^reat fio^ht at Fredericksburg. 

After the battle of Manassas he writes: " I felt quite com- 
posed during the fight; though the balls flew close to my head 
many times. I felt God was with me even then. Our boys are 
brave and true, but boast not. I could give some diflereut news 
than what you saw in the papers. When you see the word 
victory, be not sure; but hope and pray that it is true. Tell 
mother not to weep for me; but rejoice that if I live or die, my 
character is blameless, and my aflections set fervently to love 
God and man." 

Soon after he writes: " Some of the battery desire me to 
preach. I am living and talking Christianity among them, and 
they need it much; I never was more stimulated to live a faithful 
Christian; and God gives me grace according to my day." 

Toward the latter part of September, he was taken ill with 
bilious fever, and was conveyed to Fairfax Seminary hospital, 
where he remained until that building was vacated for the 
wounded of Burnside's army. He was then sent to Fort Schuy- 
ler, and remained until April 20th, 18(33. Being scarcely able 
to again do a soldier's duty, yet very anxious to be active, he 
persuaded his physician to allow him to return to Virginia. He 
Avas very patient while in the hospital, although he suffered very 
much, as his diary aljundantly shows. 

While there he wrote thus to his younger brothers: 

" Dear Brothers — You cannot tell how I feel, when I write you 
this letter. Every word of advice that I give you, I think may 
be the last. You may die, or I may die. Philip was our 
brother, and we loved him; yet he died. You think he went to 
Heaven, don't you? He was good, and tried to do right; are you 
both trying to do the same? Do you want to go where he is 
when you die? I think you do. But you can not go there, un- 
less you are good and love God. I was young once, and thought- 



GEREIT H. VAN DENBURG. 777 

less. I thought I knew as much as father and mother. But I 
have learned better since. Mother is the dearest friend you 
have on earth. She has watched and prayed over you many long 
weary nights. Do you tr}^ to please her? She will leave us by 
and by. God will call her home to Heaven. Then, if you pro- 
voke her now, you will be sorry all your life. O, brothers, I 
can't keep back the tears as I write these words to you. Beware 
of bad boys, whose influence is so destructive. How many 
nights have I prayed to God that you might be kept from the 
wrongs of other boys. I hope the da}' may come when I shall 
be with you at home again. But if I should never come home 
again, try to meet me in Heaven." 

He left the hospital voluntarily, and says, after entering the 
army again: 

" I feel quite content, having volunteered a second time to 
come to old Virginia. I pray that my health may remain good, 
for I fear sickness more than the fight. I trust Heaven will still 
be my protection, for thus far I have l)een wonderfully pre- 
served. I have become strengthened by stemming the tide of 
wickedness." 

Soon after his return to the field, he, with the battery, engaged 
in a battle near Fredericksburg, after which he Avrites: 

" We have been in the tight, and lost a few men. It is hard 
to see our brothers fall around us. We were in the front line 
twenty-four hours, and all did their duty nobly. The fight con- 
tinued one week. Our whole army did nobly. But, oh! what 
a contest!" 

Mr. Van Denburg held prayer meetings most of the time 
while in the field, in which he seemed deeply interested. He 
had several converts, of which he speaks in his diary. At one 
time he says: "Had a happy meeting last night. All the con- 
verts prayed. We have fourteen in all now." Afterwards he 
speaks of A., or H., or B.'s conversion; so we feel assured that 
the fourteen were not all that he Avas the instrument of brinsinsf 
to Christ. In speaking of the meetings, his expressions were 
like these: "Blessed meeting last night! The Lord filled all 
our hearts. Was greatly rejoiced to hear the converts speak." 



778 GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 

"It is surprising how our meetings prosper. We have a new 
convert almost eveiy night. Praise God for his goodness. He 
is in the army as well as at home." "Heard a discouraging word 
about a couple of converts. I feel as though I was a pastor over 
them, and yet hoAV unworthy 1 am." Again he says: "Glorious 
meeting ! Another convert ! Glory be to God for such a 
meeting ! " 

He seemed very much to regret Sabbath lal)or, and any dis- 
turbance in the army on the Lord's day, and speaks of it frequently 
in his diary, as well as in letters to friends. 

He always wrote home immediately after a battle, if nothing 
more than to say, "I am safe." After the battle at Gettysburg, 
he says: 

" We have been in the fight, and were in the front line forty- 
eight hours. When we were called up, the line was vacant 
where we went in, it having been temporarily broken by the 
horrid lire of the enemy. But in the mean time they were more 
severely injured than we were, for the field is strewed with their 
dead, and our hospitals are filled with their wounded. I had 
several close calls, and one shell came for me, but seeing it, I 
jumped aside, and it fell exactly where I had stood. Our men 
and officers fought nobly; we lost a noble man in Sickles, and 
another in Reynolds. I was quite composed on the field, and 
endured all well. I rejoice to say I can look up to God, even in 
the hottest of the fight." 

Again he writes: 

"Dear Friends at Home — I am again talking with you, although 
at long range. And I must first tell you some good news. The 
good Lord has blessed us greatly in our prayer meetings, and 
some have been converted. I believe they have often started 
meetings in the battery before, but always failed. But now, 
praise the Lord, I believe they are established. I feel unworthy 
to take charge of the meetings, but they unanimously voted me 
in again the other night. I pray God to help me, for I want to 
do his will. There is one thing binds me very much to our win- 
ter camp, and that is the frequent sacred communings with our 
Heavenly Father. How dear it must also be to those who date 



GERRIT 11. VAN DENBURG. 779 

their conversion here. Thank Heaven, the Havelock Battery is 
somewhat redeemed. Take courage and pray for us. Oh, if 
you could attend a soldier's prayer meeting! We hold them 
twice a week, and we are really blessed and happy in them." 

Our hero was as remarkable for his industry as his piety. One 
of his comrades remarked, that he never knew a person who 
used his moments up so closely. He seemed to consider every 
hour and every moment, as lent him from the Lord. He was 
very fond of writing, and composed with great facility. We 
regret that our limits will not allow us to give some extracts 
from his poems and prose writings. For some weeks previous 
to his death, he seemed to be impressed with the idea that he 
would not live through the campaign, and expressed the same to 
friends who were Avitli him, and also in his letters to friends at 
home. 

The folio wino- are the two last letters that he ever wrote: 

Near Coal Harbor, June 4, 1864. 
Dear Friends at Home — In haste, I write a few words, just to 
let you know that all is well with me and the rest of our battery. 
We are now in line of battle, and have just fired several rounds. 
Two rebel shells came very near our piece. But we are a pray- 
ing band, (many of us) and we have such a trust in God, as 
removes all fear. We have been on the Peninsula for some time, 
and things move on steadily. But Richmond will not be taken 
without a struggle. I hope none of you will give yourselves 
any apprehensions about me, for all will be w^ell any way. This 
has been a very active campaign so far, and the soldiers have 
been called to endure a great deal. But, as long as we make 
progress, all say, so be it. But I must close. With hopes for 
you all, and myself, in the same Saviour, 

I am, as ever, yours, G. H. V. 

The last letter was dated June 9th, in which he says: "I am 
hearty and well. We lie strongly entrenched within six hundred 
3 ards of the rebel batteries. We seem to be enough for them 
on artillery. I Avas hit, yesterday, T)y a spherical case shot from 
the rebel battery. But it only hurt for a moment. I take this 



780 GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 

as a warning to be ready. All goes well so far. Two non-com- 
missioned officers, on my piece, have been wounded, and we have 
lost a few horses. I am now standing at my post, fearless; and 
if I fall, it will be as a soldier; so do not be alarmed about me. 
If need be, I am ready for the worst. 

With much love to all. VAN. 

The last entries made in his diary were as follows: 

^'June 11th — Pleasant morning; all quiet; heart goes out in 
praise to God. Had good sleep and feel refreshed. Rumored 
capture of Fort Darling. P. M. — Been very quiet all da}^, only 
some sharpshooting. We fired two rounds. The enemy's sunken 
mortar fired to-night. We got range of it and shut it up. W. 
EoBERTSON was hit with a bullet slightly. 

^'•Jum IWi — Pleasant morning. I feel like meditating. After 
we were through firing last night, W. R. and I had a pleasant 
talk on religious experience. We are ordered to be ready at 
noon to move with muftled carriage wheels." 

Our hero obeyed the order to move, and at three o'clock on 
that beautiful Sabbath afternoon, his pure and bright spirit 
moved from earth to heaven. While performing his duty, a 
Minnie ball from a sharpshooter passed through his head and 
killed him instantly. 

Brave, noble, patriotic, Christian soldier, rest from thy toils! 
Thy work on earth is done! A grateful people will forever 
cherish thy memory and applaud thy virtues. 

On examining Mr. Van Denburg's diary, after his death, there 
was found a piece of paper, attached to a leaf, with these words 
written upon it: " To be kept concealed until my death. — G. H. 
V." Within were found the following messages addressed to 
his relatives and friends: 

" To Father'. — I may at some time have wronged you; if I 
have, I ask your forgiveness. I am younger than you, yet may 
I not give advice ? Your days will soon be numbered. Will 
you not turn your thoughts heavenward, and spend much time in 
prayer? * * * * 

" To Mother. — Your kindness has had great influence over me. 



GEHRIT H. VAS DEN BURG. 781 

"Would that I could comfort your declining years. One favor I 
ask: Weep not for me; you know it was my desire to go home. 
You are my nearest friend. Put your trust in God. * * * * 

" To Libhy. — Your kindness I shall never forget, even in 
Heaven. Oh ! that I could repay you. Lift up your head, and 
press on till you meet me. 

" To John (a brother-in-law). — You have been a lirother to me, 
always true. I pray to God that you may be rewarded. * * * 

" To Rebecca. — You were the favorite sister of my youth. 
Your gentle words have often changed my course. Whatever 
comes, trust in Jesus. 

" To StepJten (a brother-in-law). — You, too, are my brother. 
So live on earth that you may meet me in Heaven. * * * * 

*' To Mary.— Yon have a good heart; never take it from 
Christ, and you will be fit to speak the language of Heaven. This 
world may fail to give you your due, but Heaven will make 
it up. * * * * 

" To Alida. — Though young, you have been a cherished sister 
to me. Look well to your feet, that they slide not. If I could 
do you good, I would stay with you; but it is better for me 
to go. * * * * 

" To Katie. — I have a true brother's love for you. Mark well 
your footsteps. I have realized your interest for me. I hope 
you will see me up yonder. * * * * 

" To Isabella. — You have been very dear to me, and given me 
a sister's love. Remember, you have had a brother's prayers. 
Give your heart to Jesus, and you will meet me again. * * * 

" To Peter and David. — My brothers, I cannot tell my interest 
for you. I have prayed many times for you. Keep good com- 
pany, and try to do right, that you may meet your two brothers 
who have gone before you. * * * * 

" To Myron^ Martha and Anna (a sister's children), — I shall 
go to be an angel. Be good, and come and meet me, by and by. 
I loved you as though you were my own. * * * * 

"Do you ask why I write thus. It seems suggested to my 
mind that I may have no opportunity of uttering my last words. 
It is evident to me to-night that I shall never see home again, 



782 GEEKIT H. VAN DENBURG. 

and that ere long I shall go where Hattie and Philip are. This 
may be a mistake, but time will show. This world is dark, but 
there is light beyond the river. I love my country, and am 
willing to die upon her altar. Good night, all. G. H. V." 

Yes, dear, sweet, loving youth, good night. The angels have 
bid you good morning. You live now where " there is no night." 
You have joined the glorilied spirits in the city of our God. May 
your fervent piayers for your father and mother, brothers and 
sisters, all be answered, and may the dear ones meet you on the 
shining shore, never more to part. 

The friends of the departed received many letters from those 
who were associated with Mr. Van Denburg, that were filled 
with consoling words. We give a few of them to our readers. 
The following was from Capt. Burton to S. Larchar, Esq., the 
uncle of the deceased: 

1 1th N. Y. Battery, Camp on ) 

James River, June 14, 1864. ) 

Dear Friend Larchar — It is with sorrow I take my pen to 
write this letter, that shall convey the sad news of death to 
many, very many dear ones. Gerrit H. Van Denburg, a mem- 
ber of this battery, was killed instantly by a sharpshooter's ball, 
on Sunday afternoon, June 12. 

Our battery had been in front the line, and within four hun- 
dred yards of the enemy, for one week. Having received orders 
on the 12th to move at night, we were fixing a road to move the 
artillery over quietly, when a rifle ball passed through Gerrit's 
brain, entering at the left temple and coming out over the right 
eye. The same ball slightly wounded another member of the 
battery, Edmund D. Willard, of Albanj^ Gerrit sank doAvn 
dead, without speaking a word or uttering a groan. He died at 
his post, where he was always found, both in the service of his 
country and of his Saviour. At about four o'clock on that quiet, 
beautiful Sabbath day, we buried him beneath a cedar tree on 
Gaines' Hill, Va. 

I have Avritten to you, thinking you might break the news to 
his family more tenderly than I could. A diary, and some trifles, 



GERllIT TI. VAN DENBURG. 783 

I will send to Teunis Van Denburg, Hamiltonville, as soon as I 
get a chance to do so, as directed in tlie diary. The loss of 
Gerrit from the battery is a great one, for he was one of the 
best men in it; but I know that his loss at home will be much 
greater than ours. 

If the bullet that takes life in the army would only give pain 
here, how much sorrow would be saved. But no; it Hies on to 
our northern homes, and strikes and tears many, many a heart 
there. May God, who tempers the wind and storm to the shorn 
lamb, protect the dear ones at home in their great aiiiiction. 
Send to them my heartfelt sympathy, and also that of every mem- 
ber of the battery. \Miat is our loss is his eternal gain, for he 
rests quietly, where wars and tumults never trouble, where pain 
and death never come. 

It was impossible for me to have sent his body home, or we 
should have done so. The depot at the White House was broken 
up, and on Sunday night we commenced a march of thirty miles, 
which ended at four p. m. Yesterday we arrived at James river, 
about three miles below Harrison Landing. 

Believe me ever, truly 3^ours, J. C. BARTON. 



The next is a letter from his tent-mate to his father: 

Ca]mp of the 11th N. Y. Battery, June 14, 1864. 
Mr. Teunis Van Denburg: 

Dear Sir — Being a particular friend of your son, and in accord- 
ance with his request when living, I, with a sad heart, write to 
inform you of his misfortune. 

On Sunday afternoon, at three o'clock, June 12, 18G4, he was 
shot by a sharpshooter through the temple, the ball passing out 
the opposite side of his head, killing him instantly. Those say 
who saw him fall, that they think he never knew what hurt him. 
He did not speak a word nor move a muscle, but eased himself 
down on his shovel, which he had in his hand at the time. 

As I came out at the same time he did, and have always tented 
with him, he seemed to me more like a brother than a friend. 
But we trust he is better off than he was while living here; for 
I believe he was a true Christian, and is now at rest. 



784 GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 

I was conversing with him about an hour l^efore his death, and 
he seemed quite lively, and said he was ready for a hard march, 
that we heard, we had to make. We made it on Sunday night 
and Monday, and this morning we find ourselves on the bank of 
the James river. 

If there is anything you wish to know that I can inform you 
of, or anything I can do for you, I will gladly do it. I have his 
diary and wallet, and other little articles, that I will send to you 
as soon as the mail gets to running regularly. 

Yours, in nuich sympathy, EDWARD L. PEAESE. 

This next letter is from a comrade, with whom Gerrit was 
very intimate, and of whom he frequently speaks in letters to 
friends at home. 

Enc^oiped on the James River, "j 

IS ear Charles City, C. H., Va., ^ 

June 14, 1864. J 

Mr. Teunis Van Den burg, and Family: 

My pen almost refuses its office, and my hands seem palsied, in 
attempting the task that I have undertaken. Being, as I believe, 
the most intimate friend of your son, I feel bound to acquaint 
you with the mournful tidings, that on the afternoon of the 12th 
instant, we consigned to the grave the mortal remains of your 
beloved son Gerrit. 

In his death I experienced the loss of my dearest and most 
tried friend; else I would not have intruded upon your grief, 
which is too sacred for the gaze of mere acquaintances. It will 
be a great consolation to you to know that death to him was but 
an entrance into glory, and the realization of the ardent desires 
which he often expressed. Like the Apostle Paul, he longed 
"to depart and he with Christ, which is far better." He died 
instantly, and without a groan or sigh. He had sometimes 
expressed the wish to me that if he had his choice, it would be 
in this manner he would like to be called home. 

I first became acquainted with Gerrit in the fall of 1862, when 
I came into the battery. Being quite intimate with Mr. and Mrs. 
Larchar, of Albany (his uncle and aunt) they gave me his name, 



GERRIT H. VAN DEN BURG. 785 

and asked me to tind him out, and l^ecome acquainted with him. 
This was the basis of an acquaintance which ripened into an 
intimate friendship; and many a time have I blessed Mr. Larchar 
as having been the means of enabling me to form so valuable a 
friendship. He was a man of deep and fervent piety, which 
pervaded his whole life, and toned his entire conversation. 
Kind, affable and benevolent, he was much beloved and highly 
respected by the men of our company. In our prayer meetings he 
was leader, and often would these meetings have died out if it 
had not been for his energy and perseverance. 

When I first became acquainted with him, there seemed to be 
a deep depression resting on his spirits, the cause of which he 
afterwards told me. His chief delight then used to be to wander 
off alone in some woods or field, and there by singing hymns and 
prayer, to hold communion with his Redeemer. " Sweet hour 
of Prayer," and hymns of a similar character, were great favor- 
ites of his. He often expressed to me his desire at that time, 
to die rather than to live, as he had no ambition for this world; 
but looked forward to the bright land where there is neither 
sorrow nor sighing, but where God shall wipe away all tears 
from our eyes. What a blessed thought that he has realized his 
hopes and aspirations; that he is now bowing in adoration before 
the great white throne, or praising God, as he walks the streets 
of the new Jerusalem with one to whom his whole heart was 
bound by the tenderest ties. 

Previous to his sickness at our camp near Arlington Heights, 
in September, 1862, the sadness to which I have referred cast a 
gloom over his Avhole conduct. But after he returned again to 
the battery, in May, 1863, I noticed quite a change for the bet- 
ter in his feelings. He was much more lively, and sometimes 
indulged in hearty merriment, which surprised me, as I knew of 
his previous sadness. One day I spoke to him, asking him the 
reason of this change, and he replied, that while at Fort Schuy- 
ler, his feelings had undergone a change, which led him to look 
on life and worldly prospects with a brighter eye, and even to 
lay plans for future usefulness. He said he desired now to live 



50 



786 GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 

for the sake of his friends, aud the good he might do in the 
world; but that his heart was not aud could never be here. 

My earnest prayer has been, and will l^e, that God may give 
you and all his relatives grace to enable you to bear the trial. 
The promise is, "As thy day is, so shall thy strength be." 

With the most sincere sympathy and regard, I remain 

Yours truly, WM. G. PATTERSON. 

The ffloom and sadness referred to in this letter were caused 

o 

partly by the death of a very excellent young lady, to whom 
Gerrit was on the eve of being married. She died a few weeks 
before he entered the army. The subsequent change in his feel- 
ings he speaks of in a letter written home, while he was at Fort 
Schuyler. He says: 

" I am convinced, by reflection, that I have been nearly 
deranged, with hard study and much trouble. I have felt dis- 
couraged in regard to life. But I now have a greater desire to 
live. I feel, at times, as though I was younger, and my hopes 
much brighter than formerly. It is not strange that I was sad, 
for, while laboring: to obtain an education, I studied almost nio;ht 
and day, and Sunday preaching made that a hard day for me. 
The last year I was in school my health was more injured by 
study than I was then aware of. My affliction, also, was very 
severe." 

Thus closes the earthly career of one whose patriotism, 
bravery, and devotion to Christ and humanity, have never been 
surpassed. Among the hosts of American Patriots and Chris- 
tians, he stands in the front rank; and with Mitchel, Eice, 
Pruyn, Wilson, Pohlman, and others, he will wear an ever- 
lasting crown. 



ABRAM M. CARHART. 787 

CXXXVII. 

ABRAM M. CARHART, 

OF GUILDERLA^'D. 

Abram M. Cariiart was the oldest son of Sanford and Sophia 
Carhart, of Guilderland, in which town he was born August 
19th, 1844. Like most boys, he spent his early days at the dis- 
trict and Sabbath schools. Nothing of interest to those out of 
his own family transpired until his fifteenth year, when, while a 
member of the " State Road Bible Class," and as the result of 
faithful instruction, he was led, during a season of gracious out- 
pouring of the spirit, to give his heart to God. He united with 
the M. E. Church, of which he ever after remained a consistent 
member. 

When the war first broke out, he desired to enlist, but the 
love of his mother kept him back. At last love yielded to duty, 
and, with his parents' consent, he enlisted October 18, 1862, in 
Company C, of the Tenth New York Militia, which was subse- 
quently mustered into the United States service as the One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-seventh N. Y. Vols. 

Before the regiment left, however, he was attacked with fever, 
and was, by advice of the surgeon, left behind in the care of his 
family, to report w^hen fit for duty. On Tuesday, December 
16th, his regiment left Albany to join Banks' expedition. Jan- 
uary 11th, it reached Bonnet Carre, La., where, in April, having 
fully recovered, he joined it. A Christian Association having 
been formed, he united himself with it on his arrival, maintain- 
ing, in camp, the same manly Christian deportment that charac- 
terized him at home. 

On May 7th he started with the regiment, by way of the Amite 
river, to Baton Rouge; thence to Port Hudson, passing nearly 
through that memorable siege, shrinking from no danger or duty, 
and always at his post. 

On the 7th of July, about 10 a. m., with two comrades, Jesse 
Dennison and James H. Beckwith, he went down to the Missis- 
sippi to bathe, Beckwith alone being able to swim. After 



788 JAMES A. SCRAFFOEI). 

remainiug in the water a few minutes, Beckwith came out and 
commeiicecl dressing, when his attention was arrested by a cry 
from Dennison. Turning round, he saw Abram's hands just 
above the water. He dashed in, but was too late. Abram had 
sunk to rise no more. 

They left the river with sad hearts, and on their way were 
greeted with shouts of joy. News had come that Vicksburg had 
fallen. The next day the body drifted on shore, probably raised 
by the firing of salutes in honor of the capture of Vicksburg. 
Some of his company went down and buried him in his blanket 
on the shore, when, as they turned to go back, one shout, long 
and loud, was heard in camp. Port Hudson had fallen. Thus, 
on the eve of victory, was this faithful soldier of his country 
called to his rest, and while his comrades were shouting the cry 
of victory below, he was, as a soldier of Jesus, singing the song 
of victory on high. Several months after, his remains were dis- 
interred, brought home, and now repose in the family lot in 
Prospect Hill Cemetery. 



CXXXVIII. 

JAMES A. SCRAFFORD, 

OF GUILDERLAND. 

James A. Scrafford, the son of Jacob and Ann Elizabeth 
ScRAFFORD, was l)orn in the town of Guilderland, and was seven- 
teen and a half years old when he enlisted in the American 
army. 

Though not a professing Christian, Jaivies was a youth of 
excellent moral character, and was beloved by a large circle of 
friends. 

He was connected with Company H, One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh New York Regiment, and was taken sick at Port Hud- 
son. While in a feeble state, his coat and blanket were stolen 
from him, and he took a severe cold, from which he never 
recovered. He was sent to the hospital at Bonnet Carre, and 



MICHAEL WAGNER. 789 

thence to New Orleans. A friend kindly wrote to his father, 
describing his condition, and immediately the fond parent started 
to go to his boy, and to bring him home. 

James reached Albany in a state of extreme physical prostra- 
tion, and his father took him to Bethlehem, to the residence of 
his grandfather, William Scrafford, Esq. There he lingered 
only one Aveek, and expired Angust 28th, 1863. 

It was a great consolation to the dear boy to die surrounded 
by those who loved him, and who were ready to do every thing 
in their power for his comfort. He was buried in the Hamil- 
tonville Cemetery, Guilderland. 



CXXXIX. 

MICHAEL WAGNER, 

OF GUILDERLAND. 

Michael Wagner was born in Guilderland, Albany county, on 
the 22d day of January, 1845. His parents Henry and Catha- 
rine Wagner, were natives of the same town, but his ancestors 
came from Germany. His father died in 1861, leaving a widow 
and several children. Michael enlisted on the 27th day of 
August, 1862, in Company H,, Forty-third Regiment; two days 
after, his brother Peter volunteered in the service of the United 
States, and subsequently his brother William. 

The mother of these brave boys, nobly gave them up one after 
another, and bade them God speed as they left the home of their 
childhood, to fight for their country. 

Being thus deprived of the earnings of her boys, upon which 
she had depended for the support of herself and family, she 
engaged in house work to maintain herself and little family, until 
the hoped for return of her soldier boys. 

Patriotism seemed alone to inspire them, and Michael was one 
of the first in his locality to volunteer. He was eighteen years 
of age when he left home, and possessing great powers of 



790 GEORGE VAN AVIE. 

endurance, he seemed fitted by nature for the fatigues and priva- 
tions of a soldier's life. 

He left the city of Albany with his regiment for the field, and 
for some time nothing occurred of special interest. 

He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Fredericks- 
burg, &c., ending with the battle of the Wilderness. There 
he was taken prisoner with his brother Peter. They were sent 
to Richmond and confined there three months. From thence 
they were removed to Andersonville stockade, remaining there 
two and a half months. Finally they were taken to another 
prison where they remained for two and a half months more, 
and Michael died. 

With the inhumanities and base cruelties of those awful dens, 
he long struggled, and after he expired his body was taken, in 
the presence of his brother, and thrown into a cart, and rudely 
driven aw^ay for burial. 

Peter was subsequently released and returned home. 



CXL. 

GEORGE VAN WIE, 

OF RENSSELAERV.ILLE. 

George Van Wie, the son of Andrew H. and Harriet Lanphar 
Van Wie, was born January 12, 1844, at Eensselaerville, Albany 
county. New York. Afiable and kind, he was beloved by many: 
but most fondly is his memory cherished by the circle at home. 

The winter previous to his enlistment, during a revival in the 
Baptist church at Eensselaerville , he sought and found Jesus. 
He soon after joined the Methodist Episcopal church as a proba- 
tioner, and proved to be a true Christian. He was faithful in 
the discharge of every duty, ever willing to acknowledge Christ 
before men, and seldom absent from the prayer and class meet- 
ings. 

In the summer of 1862, being strongly devoted to his country, 
he felt it to be his duty to stand up in her defence. His most 



GEORGE VAN WIE. 791 

convincing: argument was, " somebody must go;" and after count- 
ing the cost, and fully realizing the dangers with which he would 
be surrounded, he resolved to take upon him the privations of a 
soldier's life. He therefore, July 17th, 1862, enlisted as a private 
in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company K, New 
York State Volunteers, then forming. He took his final fare- 
well of home August 16th, and on the 19th left Albany with his 
regiment for Washington. 

His letters written to friends at home, were ever cheerful, and 
his expressions of love for his Saviour and his country were very 
fervent. 

The following is a specimen of the letters that he wrote to his 
beloved parents: 

Fort Reno, Head Quarters 7th N. Y. Artillery, 
Near Washington, A])ril 29, 1863. 

Dear Father — I received your letter this afternoon, and was 
much pleased to hear from you, and that you were all well. My 
health is good, which, next to the religion of Christ, is the 
greatest blessing a soldier can enjoy. The weather is splendid; 
fruit trees are in full bloom and everything has the appearance 
of approaching summer, which after the long winter we have 
had, will be very acceptable to us. 

You wished me to give you my experience. I have not much 
time now; but I will improve the few moments I have; and after 
general inspection, which is to-morrow, I will write again. 

I do not think I enjoy myself as well as when I left home; but 
I know I have a Saviour; one who died for me; one who is inter- 
ceding for me; one who has promised to be with those who love 
Him: and I feel thankful for all He has done for me. Although 
I am far from the comforts of a home, and the means of grace, 
I have spent many happy hours. O, I never can forget those 
prayer and class meetings at home; how many times God has 
met with us and blessed us. But God is here. Yet I do not, 
and cannot attend our little praj-er meetings often, on account of 
other duties. A soldier is deprived of many a happy hour he 
might spend in the prayer circle in the chaplain's little tent, on 



792 GEOEGE VAN WIE. 

account of his military duties. But may God help me to be 
more faithful to Him; may I be more zealous in His cause; may 
God help me to be a shining light, doing good to my fellow 
soldiers; and may I be the means, with God's help, of bringing 
others to know of His goodness. 

Pray for the soldiers. I feel I need the prayers of all God's 
people. I am in the midst of temptations, and I know not how 
soon I may be called on the battle tield. But wherever I am 
may God be with me and with the whole army, and bless us; 
and if consistent, bring about a speedy peace. May the flag that 
so long floated over a free and happy nation, come out as clean 
as the snow that descends from heaven, and with not one star taken 
from it; may all who are in bondage be made free; and may reli- 
gion prevail throughout the land. Pray for me. 

Your son, 

GEORGE VAN WIE. 

For nearly two years his regiment was stationed at Fort Reno, 
D. C. ; but in the month of May, 1864, marching orders were 
received, and with brave and fearless hearts, this noble band of 
soldiers marched onward to victory, and alas ! how many to 
death ! All through the battles of the Wilderness they fought 
with unexampled bravery. Many were slain ; hundreds wounded, 
and a large number taken prisoners. Among the latter was the 
subject of this sketch. 

He was soon after conveyed to Andersonville, Georgia, where 
he remained a prisoner until the month of November, following, 
when he was exchanged and brought to Annapolis, Maryland. 
He was so weak, from disease contracted in prison, he could not 
be conveyed home. 

Letters were received from him weekly, stating that he was 
daily gaining strength, and that the holidays would find him 
among his friends at home. But they were doomed to dis- 
appointment. In about one month from the time he reached 
Annapolis, word was received that he was failing fast, and that he 
desired his father to come to him. 

His father hastened to the bedside of his dying son, and found 



WILLIAM HAVENS. 793 

the merest wreck of the noble boy, as he was when he cheerfully 
girded on his armor, and bade farcAvcll to the loved ones at home. 
But the father found him ready, and waiting for the angel who 
was to»release him from his suftei'ings and give him rest, where 
wars and rumors of wars can never come. 

He talked cheerfully of death, saying that, " he had never 
thought that it would be so easy to die, and go to heaven. His 
sufferings had been terrible, but he had never regretted, for one 
moment, entering the army. He was willing to lay down his 
life for his country; and the enemy who had caused his bitter 
sufferings and death, he left in the hands of a just God." 

In three days after his father reached him, he died shouting 
the praises of Him who had taken " from death its sting, and 
from the grave its victory." 

His remains were embalmed and brought to the Rensselaer- 
ville Cemetery for interment, there to remain until the last 
trumpet shall sound and the dead arise. 



CXLI. 

WILLIAM HAVENS, 

OF BERN. 

Willia:m Havens, the son of William and Maegaret Havens 
was born in Bern, December 30, 1835. He was an affectionate 
son, kind brother, and a youth of excellent habits. During a 
religious interest in the Reformed Dutch Church, in 1861, he 
was hopefully converted and joined the Methodist Church. He 
was a consistent and active Christian. 

Although Mr. Havens was very reluctant to leave his wife 
and three little children, yet he f3lt it to be his duty to go forth 
and fight for his country. Accordingly he enlisted as a private 
in Company K., Seventh New York Regiment. For twenty 
montlis he performed guard duty at Washington. During this 
time he was in poor health, and was offered his discharge, but 
he declined it, as he was determined to see the war through. 



794 ADDISON B. MILLER. 

His regiment was ordered to the front, and he participated in 
seven battles, in all of which he manifested the utmost fortitude 
and bravery. He fought at Spottsylvania, North Anna River, 
Tolopotomy Creek, Coal Harbor, and in the charge before •Peters- 
burg. On the 24th of June, 1864, he was on picket duty within 
a mile and a half of Petersburg. The woods were discovered to 
be on fire, and he and his companions threw themselves upon the 
ground, thinldng that the enemy would not see them. But he 
was shot at, and wounded in the foot. Two of his comrades 
carried him to the rear, and a portion of his foot was taken ofi'. 
But the wound did not heal, and his sufferings were very intense. 
On the 19th of July his leg was amputated, at the Harewood 
hospital, in Washington. The following day he died from the 
effects of the operation. 

He leaves a wife and three little children, in a destitute condi- 
tion, to mourn the death of a kind husband and affectionate father. 
After he was wounded he wrote twice to his family, commending 
them to the care of their Heavenly Father. 



CXLII. 

ADDISON B. MILLER, 

OF BERN. 

Addison B. Miller was the son of Albert and Sophia Miller, 
and was born in Rensselaerville, August 18, 1845. 

He was religiously educated, and early developed superior 
talents, a sound judgment, and correct moral principles. He 
was not a professed Christian, and when urging his parents to 
let him go to the war, his mother said that if he was a Christian 
she would give her consent. He replied: " Let me go, and I 
will try and ])ecome a Christian." When told of the hardships 
and dangers of a soldier's life, he said: "Some persons must go, 
and I am no better than others." 

He enlisted in Company D, Sixty-first New York Regiment. 
After having experienced some skirmishing, he wrote home that 



ADDISON B. MILLER. 795 

he had no more fear while fighting than he had while writing his 
letter. The marches through which he passed were very severe, 
but he endured all without a murmur. 

On the 13th of December, 1862, as he was bravely charging 
the enemy's batteries, a musket ball struck him in the right 
breast and passed through his lungs. He was l)orne from the 
field at night, and taken to a house in Fredericksburg, which was 
used by the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment as a hospital. His 
wound was dressed, and he lived until the next day, when he 
died at ten o'clock in the forenoon. His remains were w^rapped 
in a blanket, and buried in a yard adjoining the house. 

After he was wounded, he was conscious of his condition, and 
manifested a submission to the will of his Heavenly Father. He 
died putting his trust in God. 

His letters which he wrote, have breathed the most earnest 
patriotism, and expressed his readiness to die for his country's 
cause. 

The followino; is an extract from one. The date is not given: 

Dear Father and Mother — As I have just fifteen minutes to 
write, I thought that I would let you know that I am well. 

We left Boliver Heights last Wednesday, and liave been march- 
ing ever since. Yesterday we were skirmishing all day. To-day 
I have been on picket duty in sight of the rebels. We expect a 
battle soon, and they must fight or run. Tliis may he the last 
that you will hear from me, l)ut I hope that I shall meet you in 
a better world than this. It does not make much difference 
where or when we die, if we are onl}- prepared. I hope and 
think that I am. Your aflfectiouate son, 

ADDISON. 



79"6 JOEL WILSON. 

CXLIII. 

JOEL WILSON, 

or BERN. 

Joel Wilson, son of Williajvi and Mary Ann Wilson, was 
borne in Bern, October 24, 1842. He was a dutiful son, a kind 
brother, and a youth of excellent moral character. He desired, 
at the commencement of the war, to enlist in the army, but, like 
many others whom we have already sketched, was prevented by 
the entreaties of his friends. At last they yielded to his earnest 
patriotism, and, October 7, 1862, he joined Company C, One 
Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. An incident 
occurred, after he joined the army, that made a deep impression 
upon his mind. One of his associates, with whom he had been 
intimate from childhood and who enlisted Avith him, lost both of 
his eyes by an accident. Joel was deeply moved with sympathy 
for his friend, and did all in his power to alleviate his sufferings. 
He manifested towards him the kindness of a tender and affec- 
tionate brother, and he became himself more serious, and loved 
to attend religious meetings. We hope that at that time, he 
gave his heart to Jesus, and made his peace with God. But of 
this we cannot speak positively. 

Joel Avas ordered, with his regiment, to Bonnet Carre, Louisi- 
ana, and remained there until the 7th of May, I860, when they 
started for Port Hudson. He was left at Baton Rouge, sick, and 
remained there until the 21st of July. He partially recovered 
and joined the regiment again at Port Hudson. At that time he 
wrote a letter to his friends, in which he expressed the fond hope 
of soon meeting^ asain the loved ones at home. But, on the 8th 
day of August, he went into the hospital with chills and fever, 
and worn down with exposures and privations. 

Soon, however, his regiment received orders to return home, 
and went on board a transport. But the order was counter- 
manded, and, as Joel stepped from the boat, he said, with a sad 
heart, "I shall never see home again." And so it proved. He 
was able to walk about, l)ut, on the morning of the 18th of 



AZOR T. HAYES. 797 

August, just after he had taken his breakfast, be fell and instantly 
expired. 

His remains were interred, near the hospital, on the 19th of 
August. They were, however, subsequently taken up and carried 
home, and, on the 29th of December, were deposited in a burial 
l)lace near his father's house, where he was born. 



CXLIY. 

AZOR T. HAYES, 

OF BERN. 

AzoR T. Hayes, the son of Thomas J. and Mary Hayes, was 
born in Bern, November 27, 1843. At the age of nine years he 
became a Christian, and united with the Lutheran Church at 
Bern. While at school he was distinguished for his excellent 
deportment, his fine oratory and his fondness for history. 

At the commencement of the war he desired to enlist to fight 
for his country; but his mother felt that he was too young, and 
that he would be exposed to many temptations in the camp. 
Besides, she was a widow, and dependent, in a great measure, 
upon him for a support. He however, told his mother of several 
noble men who had been earnest and self sacrificing patriots, and 
who had won for themselves a prominent place in history; and 
he thought that perhaps he might become distinguished. 

Before he was eighteen years of age he enlisted in Company 
E., Ninety-third N. Y. Regiment. He served faithfully for two 
years when his time expired. He re-enlisted, and was with the 
regiment in all the battles in which it was engaged, up to the 
time of his death. Of the circumstances of his death and burial 
we know nothing. 

In the letters which he wrote to his mother he expressed the 
deepest interest in the cause to which he had devoted himself, 
and said that, if he fell in battle, all would be well. He leaves 
a widowed mother, several little sisters and brothers, and a large 
circle of friends, to mourn his loss. 



798 JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE. 

CXLY. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS CROUNSE, 

OF KNOX. 

John Quincy Adams Crounse was the son of John Crounse 
and Margaret Van Aernam. He was born on the 30th day of 
April, 1829, in the town of Sharon, county of Schoharie, 

He was from youth a person of correct habits, and as soon as 
he attained that age in which young men of purpose naturally 
decide for themselves, he became anxious to obtain a thorough 
education, and as far as opportunity and means would admit, he 
diligently pursued his purpose. 

From his early years he suffered greatl}^ from dyspepsia, and 
this finally broke him down, while he was connected with the 
army. Those who knew him best were apprehensive, at the 
time of his entering the military service, that his constitution 
would give way under the severities of camp life; and so, alas! 
it finally proved. 

John was a youth of great industry and energy, and at several 
academies and seminaries, he prosecuted his studies with diligence 
and enthusiasm. 

He o;raduated at Union Colleo-e, and was fiimiliar with various 
branches of mathematics, and difl'erent languages. He was par- 
ticularly well informed in the German and French languages, to 
which he gave special attention. His habits of reading and 
study led him to collect scientific and literary works, and when 
he entered the army, he had accumulated quite a large and valua- 
ble library. 

His political opinions were of the most decided character, and 
they were the result of thought and honest convictions. He 
made many speeches and wrote a great deal for the advancement 
of the cause of freedom. He never understood either the wis- 
dom or statesmanship, in the idea often advanced by others, that 
because a man was ignorant and defenceless, therefore lie should 
he made a slave. He supposed that one great object of all true 



JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE. 799 

governments was to keep the strong and powerful, from usurping 
the rights and privileges of the weak. 

To a mind imbued with such principles, it was perfectly natu- 
ral, wlien the slaveholders inaugurated the rebellion for the pur- 
pose of establishing an empire, the corner stone of which edifice 
should be slavery, that he should be against the conspiracy, and 
all who in any way aided or sympathized with the plot, and the 
overthrow of the government- 

As early as May 4, 1861, while he was attending Union Col- 
lege, he wrote to his parents at Sharon, in which letter he first 
intimated a desire to enter the service. He said: 

" I reached Schenectady Tuesday afternoon, at two o'clock, 
and, on arriving at college, found almost every body talking of 
eidisting for the war. I was asked to volunteer myself, and said 
I would think about it. I have thought about it, and have come 
to the conclusion that, if it meets with your approbation, I will 
enlist. Prof. Peissner is organizing a company, which he will 
take command of himself Quite a number of the students have 
already gone, and more will follow, to the seat of war." 

His worthy and venerable parents, although not less zealous 
in the cause than their son, could not be prevailed upon to con- 
sent to his going. They had already yielded to the importuni- 
ties of one son, who was, at that time, in the military service; 
but in this case they were apprehensive of the results, as they 
fully realized that Johx could not endure the hardships of war. 
Therefore they dissuaded him from the undertaking, and he 
yielded to their request. 

After he left college he became a teacher in the academy at 
Knoxville, Albany county, and taught there for some time, to 
the entire satisfaction of all. He raised that institution to a 
very prosperous and thriving condition. But the situation of the 
country still preyed upon his mind, and he felt that he ought to 
make sacrifices as well as others. He saw his comrades and 
associates going to the scenes of conflict and of danger, and he 
could resist no longer. Contrary to the expectations and wishes 
of all his patrons, at the close of the term, when the school was 
in the most prosperous condition, he came to Albany, and in the 



800 JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE. 

month of July, 1862, enlisted as a private in the Eleventh New 
York Havclock Battery, for three years. There was no difficulty 
at that time in his getting a commission in some other company 
then forming, Ijut he chose to go as a private in this battery, as 
the young men composing it, were represented as persons of cor- 
rect moral and religious habits. 

He left Albany almost the same day he enlisted, and became 
very soon engaged in active service. He was with the Army of 
the Potomac, and participated in nearly all the battles in Vir- 
ginia. He Avas also at the battle of Gettysburg, in which the 
battery performed a very active part. He possessed courage of 
the highest order; a courage sustained by strong moral convic- 
tions; and under all circumstances he was a faithful soldier. 

But the forces of his constitution were gradually giving away, 
under the severe hardships and exciting dangers that he was 
called to encounter. 

He was in the terrible battle at Chancellorsville, and he said 
in writing to a friend, that the Sunday, on which that battle was 
fought, was to him, one of the most terrible days he ever saw on 
earth. The continuous roar of cannon; the fierceness of the con- 
flict, and the awful carnage of the day very deeply afiected him. 
While he was in camp, he still cherished his fondness for study. 
He wrote several times to a friend at Albany, for some French 
and German books, that he might review some of his favorite 
studies. 

It was evident from letters received by his friends, that he 
was conscious that the hardships of camp life were destroying 
his health, and he was induced to seek for the position of a 
teacher of the freedmen, which, unfortunately, for some reason, 
he did not obtain. Could he have been assigned to some respon- 
sible position in that department in time, his life might have been 
saved, and the cause of human freedom would have had a most 
faithful and efficient champion; one whose whole head and heart 
would have been most earnestly engaged, in elevating and 
directing the minds of an oppressed people. He, however, 
gradually sunk under the service, until almost reduced' to a 
skeleton; when he was removed from City Point to the Baptist 



JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE. 801 

hospital at Alexandria, Virginia, where, on the 12th of Novem- 
ber, 1864, he died. 

About two weeks before his death, a telegram was sent to his 
parents at Sharon, Schoharie county, informing them of his con- 
dition. His father was, at the time, in Nebraska territory on 
business; but his aged and venerable mother, although feeble in 
health, hastened to his relief, and for nearly two weeks had the 
consolation of alleviatinof his sufferino-s. 

During his protracted illness, his patience and fortitude never 
forsook him. He expressed his perfect trust in God, and his 
reliance upon divine mercy. On the day of his death, he 
requested the principal nurse to tell his mother to stay with him 
that night, for he thought that the crisis with him was near. 
And so it proved. His last words to his mother were: "Be 
composed for all is bright with me." Then, in a strong tone of 
voice, he added, " Tell my friends I die like a man in my 
country's cause, and am not afraid to die." 

His mother caused his remains to be emlialmed, and they were 
taken to Sharon, where his funeral was attended by a very large 
circle of friends. He was buried near and in full view of the 
home of his aged and afflicted parents, in a quiet rural cemetery, 
where the roar of hostile cannon, the conflict of fierce passions, 
and the oppressions of the poor and the weak of the earth, will 
never disturb him more. 

His relatives in Albany county, in remembrance of his patriot- 
ism and his many nol)le and manly virtues, have recently, by 
voluntary subscription, raised a fund by which a suitable monu- 
ment has been erected to his memory. 



51 



802 ALANSON S. HOFFMAN. 

CXLVI. 

ALANSON S. HOFFxMAN, 

OF COEYMANS. 

Alanson S. Hoffman was born at Coeymans Hollow, October 
18, 1839. He was of German descent; his ancestors having 
emigrated from Germany to this country about the year 1670, 
and settled at Claverack, Columl>ia county, State of New York. 
They continued to reside in that locality till shortly after the 
commencement of the present century, when his grandfather and 
father moved from thence to Coeymans Hollow, All)any county, 
where the deceased was born. 

No event worthy of notice occurred during his childhood or 
youth. At school he was an apt scholar, and a general favorite 
with teacher and pupil. He was a young man of more than ordi- 
nary intelligence, and possessed a remarkably happy and genial 
disposition, and was liberal to a fault. 

At the breaking out of the rebellion, he expressed his regret 
that we were about to be involved in a fratricidal conflict, but at 
the same time fully realized what was his duty, and what was 
the duty of every man in the north during that terrible struggle. 
His father was rather opposed to his going in the army, for he 
Avas the child of his old age. But he said his country was in 
peril and demanded his services, and that he did not think it was 
manly for his son to stand back when his neighbors were march- 
ing to the rescue of our government, some of whom were leav- 
ing wife and children, while he was a single man. To Alanson, 
it was hard to leave friends, home, and business for the priva- 
tions of the camp and the perils of the battle field; but he said 
that duty called him, and if he died, he died in a good cause. 
After leaving home and entering upon the duties of a soldier, he 
kept his father informed of his movements. 

The following are extracts from one of his letters: 

Bonnet Carre, March 10, 1863. 
Dear Father — Once more I take my pen to inform you that, 
through a kind Providence, my life and health have been spared, 



ALANSOX S. HOFFMAN. 803 

and I hope I may be permitted to return to my home and friends 
once more. Life, I know, is uncertain, but I am now enjoying 
better health than ever l)efore; still, I will not boast. * * * 

AVe have an inspection every Sunday, and every man has his 
forty rounds of ammunition, in case of a surprise. A few nights 
ago, about twelve o'clock, when we were all nicely asleep, the 
long roll was beaten. I was awakened from sleep, and it was 
certainly the most solemn sound I ever heard. I did not lie 
long, you may be assured, after waking. I must admit that I 
was startled, but made up my mind to give the rebels at least 
one shot before running, so I put on my belt, caught up my gun, 
gave Jerry, my comrade, a kick, and i-an out of my tent. I was 
the first one out, and the first in line of our company. Lieut. 
]\Iix came next. It was frightful to hear the officers calling the 
men out. The Major ran through the camp and demanded 
silence. It may ])e that there was not any shirking, yet I think 
that the darkness hid many a pale face. I will say nothing of 
my own, but I was bound to stick to the work. I am sorry to 
say that a few in our company did not face the music. 

But this could not be said of our little drummer l)oy, who 
caught up a sword, and fell in line with the rest of us. We then 
marched out about six hundred yards, on the double-quick, and 
formed in line of battle. Our regiment was the first in the line. 

Our Major (young Napoleon, as he is called, and whom nothing 
can frighten,) marched us forward, gave us " right about face," 
ordered us to load, elevate our pieces, and fire. This order was 
given by the General through the ]\Iajor, and the whole was 
accomplished in just six and a half minutes from the first tap of 
the drum. Is not that pretty quick work, for the men to dress, 
get on their accoutrements, and form a line of battle ? The Gen- 
eral rode along our line and demanded attention to orders, when 
he read an order from Gen. Sherman, to call us out and try us, 
as he said we might be called out to face the enemy some night, 
but if the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment was in 
the advance, he had nothing to fear. 

We can beat any regiment drilling I have seen since we have 



804 ALANSON S. HOFFMAN. 

been here, and I do not except even the old regiments. Write 
soon and give me all the news. Give my respects to all. 

Your son, ALANSON HOFFMAN. 

The following letter, announcing his death, was received by 
his father from Lieut. Leger: 

Bonnet Carre, April 13, 1863. 

Camp of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh N. Y. S. Volun- 
teers, Second Division, Third Brigade, Defences of New Or- 
leans, Louisiana: 

Died, April 13, at six o'clock in the morning, of typhoid fever, 
Alanson S. Hoffman, Company — , One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Kegiment N. Y. S. V. 

Mr. Hoffman: 

Dear Sir — It causes me much sorrow to be obliged to make 
the above announcement to you of the death of your son. I 
know it will cause you much sorrow, but it is so. God, in his 
infinite mercy, has chosen him for a greater sphere of happiness 
than is allotted on earth. 

Alanson was sick about three weeks, not dangerous, it was 
thought, until last Thursday, when he began to fail very fast. 
On Sunday he told me that he was going to die. I tried to 
encourage him, but he told me that he would not be with us 
long, and he appeared to be happy. This w^as in the evening. 
About half past five in the morning he inquired for me. I went 
inmiediately to see him. He recognized me, shook hands, and 
in a few moments passed away. 

He had good care and attention, and good medical assistance, 
l)ut all has failed, and the melancholy fact of his death remains 
to be communicated to his friends. I am glad to say that Alan- 
son died happy. While he has been connected with the regi- 
ment, we have been intimate friends. I often went to his tent, 
and, as a general thing, found him reading his Testament. This 
should be a great consolation to you and his friends at home. As 
for myself, I feel that I have lost a confidential friend, as well as 
brother soldier. Respectfully yours, 

Lieut. A. B. LEGER. 



ALANSON S. HOFFMAN. 805 

The following letter was received after the death of young. 

HoFFM.vx from John M. Whitbeck, his mess-mate and companion 

in arms: 

Bonnet Caere, April 15, 1863. 
Mr. I. Shear. 

Dear Sir— It is with a sad heart and unwilling pen that I sit 
down this morning to inform you of the death of our tent mate, 
Alanson S. Hoffman. He died this morning abont six o'clock, 
and is to he buried this afternoon at half past two. He was taken 
some three weeks ago with a diarrhani, and remained in his tent 
until about ten days ago, when he was taken to the hospital. A 
fever set in, and he l)egan to fail very fast. He has had the best 
of care since he has l)een sick, and while he was at the hospital, 
he was taken care of b}^ Stephen Schermerhorn, as good a mau 
as could have been selected from our company. 

His death has cast a gloom over our company, and I suppose 
it will in Coeymans Hollow. He was a boy that was liked by 
all, and I do not believe he has done a wrong to any man inten- 
tionally during his life. 

He died happy, and I believe has gone to a home where there 
w^ill be no more sickness, and Avhere friends will meet to part no 
more. He told the doctor that he was not afraid to die. He 
told Stephen in the night that he could not live, " but," said he, 
" it makes no difference, Heaven is my home." I trust that this 
will be a consolation to his relatives and friends. He has made 
it a habit, since he has been here, to read his Testament every 
day, and I have not heard him speak a profane word since we left 
home. He was promoted to Corporal, but never served in that 
capacity. It was his dying request that the Rev. Mr. Birch 
should preach his funeral sermon. 

From your friend, JOHN M. WHITBECK. 

The following letter was received by his father from Lieut. 
Peter A. Hoffman, of the One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois 
Volunteers, brother of the deceased: 

Fidelity, Illinois, July 14, 1863. 

Dear Father — I received your letter in due time, but little did 
I expect to receive the sad intelligence of the loss of an only 



806 DAVID Mcculloch. 

brother. Little did I expect, when we parted in All^any, that 
he would be the first of the family to depart this life; one so 
young and healthy, and apparently destined to live many years. 
But such are the Avays of Providence, and it is our duty to sub- 
mit to God's will. The event may be intended for our benefit, 
as it teaches us the uncertainty of life, and warns us to be pre- 
pared for that day, when all shall be judged according to their 
deeds on earth. 

Sad as it is, to lose a son and only brother, it would be unmanly 
to repine, Avhen so many have sacrificed their lives in the cause of 
their country. It is a great consolation to know that he died in 
the defence of his country's rights, which is next to his duty to 
his God. He may have died alone in a strange land, without 
father, sister or brother to soothe him in his dying hours; his 
remains may be deposited far away on the banks of the Missis- 
sippi river, with nothing but a rude stone to point to his grave, 
yet to know that he died as he has died, is a far greater consola- 
tion to a lover of his country, than to have had him deposited in 
the most costly sarcophagus, attended with all the pomp and 
pride of royalty, if above his name should be written: "He died 
a traitor to his country." Your only son. 

PETER A. HOFFMAN. 



CXLYII. 
DAVID McCULLOCH, 

OF COEYMANS. 

David McCulloch was the son of Williajvi C. and Mary A. 
McCuLLOCH, and was born May 3, 1841. He was a kind boy, a 
dutiful son, and a generous and noble hearted brother. 

While the traitors at the South were preparing to enter upon 
their treasonable work, David often remarked that he was 
resolved to leave his home and fight for his country, whenever 
the Government should require his services. Accordingly, on 
the 1st of August, 1801, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-fourth 



DAVID Mcculloch. 807 

New York Regiment. He fought bravely in the battles at Han- 
over Court House. Malvern Hill, Gaines' Mills, Antietam, Fred- 
ericksburg, Petersburg, second Bull Run, Gettysburg, and intact, 
in every battle in which this gallant regiment was engaged, up 
to the battle of ^Nline Run, when he was for the second time 
taken prisoner. 

He was lirst made a prisoner l)y the enem}^ al)out the 1st of 
July, 1862, while fighting in the battles before Richmond. After 
six days hard fighting he scorned to turn his back upon a foe 
that was seeking the life of his nation. His regiment having 
suffered severely was ordered to fall back. But either he did 
not hear the order, or not heeding it, he continued to fight, until 
he was surrounded and seized hy the enemy. The first saluta- 
tion that he received was "Lay down that gun," accompanied 
by an oath, and an opprobrious epithet, usually indulged in by 
the southern chivalry on such occasions. He laid down one end 
of his gun, and placing his foot upon the center of the barrel he 
bent it, so that it could be of no use to the rebels. He then 
delivered the useless weapon to them. 

Mr. McCuLLOCH was kept in prison thirty days, and had he 
not had money Avith him to purchase food, he w^ould probably 
have starved to death. How he escaped from the foe, we are 
not informed. 

The second time that he was captured was about the begiiming 
of the year 1864. Then he had sixty dollars in his pocket, of 
which the rebels at once ro])bed him. He was then carried to 
some prison, and now for over two years his friends have not 
heard directly from him. They suppose that he, like multitudes 
of others, died from neglect and starvation. 

His officers and comrades award to him the highest praise for 
his uniform good conduct; his cheerfulness under privations and 
sufferings, and his noble bravery upon the battle-field. No 
danger seemed ever to intimidate him, and no amount of suffering 
cooled the intense ardor of his patriotism. He loved his country 
with an undying devotion. Just before leaving home, he 
remarked to his mother, that he Avoid d fight the enemies of 
his nation, while there was a drop of blood in his veins. 



808 STEPHEN Mcculloch. 

It is sad, indeed, to think of such a hero passing from the 
light and happiness of his early home into the darkness and 
horrors of a southern prison, there to have his life worn away 
by the slow tortures of disease and starvation, and no friend to 
minister to him in the last hour ! But his history is that of 
thousands, whom American slavery has claimed for its victims. 



CXLVllI. 

STEPHEN McCULLOCH, 

OF COEYJIANS. 

Stephen McCulloch was the brother of David, to whom we 
have just referred, and was born in Coeymans, August 25, 1845. 
He was a youth full of enterprise, ambition and intelligence. 
He had, too, a very affectionate disposition, and was beloved b}'' 
all who knew him. He possessed the same spirit and feelings 
in regard to the war that fired the soul of his brother. 

He enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh 
New York Regiment. He never was in any very severe battle, 
but discharged every duty assigned to him with great faithfulness. 

On one occasion he was sent down a river to secure some flat 
boats. The party were surprised by a guerrilla force and were 
fired upon. Instead of surrendering, Stephen, with others, 
leaped into the river, and swam to the opposite side. That 
night he slept upon the ground in his wet clothes, and took a 
cold, from which he never recovered. His system, heretofore 
very strong, had been previously reduced by a severe chronic 
disease, and his cold, with this, carried him rapidly to the grave. 
For a time he was delirious, and he died in this condition on the 
14th of April, 1863. His remains lie buried at Bonnet Carre, 
Louisiana. 

To the parents who thus gave up two sons for the country, 
the sympathies of a grateful nation should be cordially extended. 



JAMES WILSON. 809 

CXLIX. 

JAMES WILSON, 

OF COIIOES. 

James Wilson, the son of David Wilson and Isabella Mills, 
was born at Lansingburgh, New York, on May 11th, 1846. He 
enlisted from Cohoes as a private in Co. H, in the One Hundred 
and Fifteenth Regiment New York State Volunteers, and was 
killed in the battle of Olustee, Florida, on Fel)ruary 20th, 1864. 

Lieut. Clark, in his work entitled " The Iron-Hearted Regi- 
ment," page 203, gives the following account of his death: "At 
the battle of Olustee, Florida, he behaved very gallantly, and 
fought with the coolness of a war-worn veteran, but sacrificed 
his life nearly at its close. The brave young soldier fired away 
his own sixty rounds of ammunition, and then sought a fresh 
supply from his dead companion's cartridge box. Having loaded 
his gun for the sixty-first time, he turned to Sergeant Gould, 
and in his usual pleasant way said " Alf, which way shall I aim 
this time?" The words had hardly escaped his lips when a cruel 
shell burst in the ranks, and a piece struck him in the left thigh, 
shattering it in the most frightful manner. A large stream of 
blood spouted from the wound, and he fell to rise no more. 

The boys carried him a short distance from the field, but he 
was fast bleeding to death and must soon die, so they laid him 
gently down at the foot of a tree. They took his Bil)le and a few 
little keepsakes from his pocket, to send to his widowed mother: 
then kneeling down on the ground they grasped his cold hands 
affectionately, and with tears in their eyes said ' good bye.' He 
looked up and sweetly smiled; it froze on his lips, and he closed 
his eyes in death." 



810 SEBASTIAN PEARSE. 

CL. 

SEBASTIAN PEARSE, 

OF WATERVLIET. 

Sebastian Peaese was the son of Richard S. and Eve Pearse, 
and was born in Watervliet, on the 2Gth day of November, 
1840. He attended school until he was seventeen years of age, 
when he removed to Albany, and Ijecame engaged in the lumljer 
business with his uncle John Ward, Esq. 

At the very first call for soldiers to defend the republic ao:ainst 
the attacks of rebels, he, like so many others whom we have 
sketched, cheerfully oftered his services, and enlisted in April 
1861, in Company E, Third Regiment of New York Volunteers, 
under Col. Townsend. He went to Fortress Monroe and re- 
mained with the regiment a short time, Tvhen on account of his 
superior intelligence and excellent character, he was transferred 
to the Signal Corps, and stationed at Fortress Monroe, under 
Capt. Seward F. Helpburn. Here he remained until his death. 

The following account of him appeared in the " Christian 
Intelligencer," soon after his burial: 

"Died, at Fortress Monroe, August 22d, 1862, Sebastian 
Pearse of the Signal Corps. 

"Mr. Pearse was a young man of noble promise, and pos- 
sessed the unqualified respect of all who knew him. A ycav and 
a half ago, when the country made an earnest call upon her 
patriotic and loyal sons, he left his business which was opening 
before him prospects of speedy and lucrative advaucement, and 
volunteered in the Third New York Regiment. He fought in 
the battles of Little and Big Bethel, through which he passed 
unscathed and with honor. Soon after he was detailed to the 
Siijual service. 

"He joined the army and remained in it only from a pure 
sense of duty. Nearly a year ago he was offered an honorable 
discharge on account of a tendency to vertigo, from which he 
o(!casionall3^ sufl'ered; l)ut he scorned the idea of leaving his 
post. His reply, on that occasion, disp]a3'ed the whole principle 



JOEL B. PITTS. 811 

of his life as a soldier: 'I came here/ said he, * to serve my 
country, and as long as my country needs my services, I shall 
remain.' 

" During his last illness, his comrades, the officers and the nurses, 
vied with each other in their tender attentions to him. The 
Captain declared that he loved him as a brother, and the mourn- 
ing over his loss was universal. 

Through the kindness of the members of the corps to which 
he belonged, his body was embalmed and delivered to his friends. 
He was buried from the Eeformed Dutch Church of Niskayuna, 
Rev. John A. DeBaun, })astor, on the last day in August, 1862. 
A detachment of the Tenth Kegiment New York State Militia, 
acted as pall bearers. A very large concourse of friends fol- 
lowed the remains to the grave, and mingled their tears with 
those of his bereaved, but not comfortless, parents. May the 
Almighty Father, whom they have long trusted and served, bind 
up their broken hearts, and may his rod and staff comfort them. 



CLI. 

JOEL B. PITTS 

OF WATERVLIET. 

Joel B. Pitts, son of Isaac B. and Allah M. Pitts, was born 
in Xassau, January, 1843. His mother died while he was an 
infant, and his father moved to Watervliet, Albany county, in 
1845, and still resides there. 

His health was never very good. He was always a kind and 
affectionate boy, and possessed a good character. He never pro- 
fessed religion, l)ut from his last two letters we have reason to 
hoi)e, that the many prayers offered in his behalf, were answered. 

From the commencement of the war, he felt a great interest 
in it, and often expressed his desire to participate in it. But on 
account of his health and youth, his friends opposed it. He Avas 
told that when he Avas drafted it AA'ould be time enouirh for him 
to join the arniA', 



812 AETHUR HASWELL. 

He was drafted, and, October 1st, he joined the Seventh New 
York Heavy Artillery, and remained at Fort Reno until May, 
1864, when the regiment went out as infantry. 

He was in several skirmishes, and in the liattles of the Wil- 
derness and Coal Harbor. At the latter place he was wounded, 
June 3d, in his right arm and in his left shoulder. He laid most 
of the day in a pit used by a rebel sharpshooter. Late in the 
afternoon he went to the field hospital, and from there to the 
Columbian hospital, Washington, where the ball was removed 
from his neck. In six weeks he was so far recovered as to be 
al)le to go home on a furlough of sixty days. He spent most of 
the winter in the hospital. 

During the winter the Surgeon talked of putting him in the 
Invalid Corps, but he opposed it, and said that he had rather go 
to his regiment, where he could do more good, and fight the 
rebels. 

March 6th, 1865, he left the hospital at Washington, and 
joined his regiment at Baltimore. He was taken sick in a few 
days with fever, and, April 3d, went to Fort Federal Hill hospi- 
tal, where he died, April 13th. 

He was delirious a week or more before he died, but lived 
long enough to realize our triumph; for he wrote in his Testa- 
ment, "Victory, victory over our rebel foes." 

A Lieutenant, in writing of his death, said: "He was a good 
soldier, and I wish that I was as well prepared to die as he was." 



CLIL 
ARTHUR HASWELL, 

OF WATERVLIET. 

Arthur Hasavell was born in the town of Schoharie, Scho- 
harie county, June 14, 1838, and was the sixth of a family of 
eight children. His parents were Joseph A., son of Arthur 
Haswell, of Watervliet, and Frances, daughter of Michael 
Freligh, M. D., also of Watervliet, Albany county. 



ARTHUR HASWELL. 813 

Inheriting from his father an unbending integrity and intense 
love of country, he felt, from the beginning of the war, the 
injustice of the foes who had plotted the overthrow of the gov- 
ernment, and he longed to engage at once in the conflict. Duties 
at home prevented this; but, as regiment after regiment took the 
tield, the subject of his going was still rencAved. His father 
gave, at length, the son on whom he leaned the most, to his 
country, and he enlisted as a private soldier in Company B, One 
Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, at Alljany, October 21, 
1862. 

He suifered much in the change of climate and hardships to 
which that regiment was subjected. At the time of their first 
active service, he was too ill to go with them, and felt keenly 
the deprivation. He mentions, in a letter to his mother, the last 
he ever Avrote, that it Avas a hard sight for those who were left, 
to see the regiment go to its first active service without them, 
and hoped she woujd not think he had been unfaithful to his 
duty. 

His family, who knew him best, in a home where much was 
required of him, cherish his memory as a son and brother of 
more than ordinary purity and faithfulness. Shielded Ijy Divine 
Providence from temptation, in the comparative seclusion of a 
country home, he bore an unexceptionaljle moral character, and, 
during his short stay in the army, won the respect of both offi- 
cers and men. Although he lacked the buoyant temperament so 
necessary to the soldier, he was faithful and enduring, and, in his 
letters home, which were frequent, never complained of the 
hardships of army life. 

An incident which occurred at the time of his leaving, will 
serve to show his decision of character. He was packing his 
knapsack for the last time, when he playfully remarked to his 
sister that the canteen was intended for liquor, and asked if he 
should take it. She replied that it was best to do so, it might 
be necessary to life in case of being wounded and Avithout help. 
His manner instantly changed, and in a firm, decided tone he 
said, "I will not take it." 

His last illness was typhoid fever, and he was confined to the 



814 ARTHUR HASWELL. 

hospital tnree weeks previous to his death. On the afternoon 
of the 20th of April, his cousin, who was in the regiment, visited 
him, to whom he gave his Bible, pocket diary, and some pressed 
fioAvers, for his friends at home. This was his last interview 
with him. He was at that time cheerful, but did not expect to 
recover. He read his Bible much while in the hospital, and it is 
hoped that from its sacred pages he learned to trust Him who 
can save at the eleventh hour. 

He died during the night of the 21st of April, 1863, and was 
buried at Bonnet Carre. His remains were afterwards brought 
home, and now repose in the Albany Cemetery. 

The following is an extract from a letter written by Adjutant 
Strong, to his mother, April 21, 1863: 

" In my letter to you of April 19th, I mentioned that Arthur 
Haswell, of Company B, was quite sick, and that I feared he 
would not recover. I am deeply pained to inform you that he 
died last night. We did not suppose he was so near his end. 
From the lirst, however, he seemed to give up, and it seemed as 
though he could not rally. Every attention was paid to him, 
but it was all of no avail. I trust and believe that he is orone to 
a better land, and that his spirit is now in heaven." 

The folloAving letter is from Captain Merrihew to Arthur's 
sister: 

Bonnet Carre, La., April 23, 1863. 
Miss Anna Hasavell: 

Dear Friend — The circumstances under Avhich I now address 
you are painful to me, while to you they will be doul)ly so. It 
devolves upon me to communicate to you the sad intelligence of 
the dccith of your brother Arthur. He died in hospital yester- 
day morning, April the 21st, 1863, about two o'clock, of general 
debility. He was without any apparent disease until a day or 
two previous to his death, when he was attacked with diphtheria, 
which has proved so fatal with us. We did not consider him 
dangerously ill until he was attacked with diphtheria, when he 
connnenced to fail very rapidly; and all the skill of our physi- 
cians here, could afford no relief, and he has gone to return to 
us no more forever. 



GEOEGE W. KILBOURN. 815 

"He who doeth all things well," has seen fit, in His infinite 
mercy, to take him away; and while it may seem hard that you 
should be called to mourn the loss of one so young, and full of 
promise, and so far from friends and loved ones at home; yet 
you have the comfortable assurance, that he has gone to that 
better world, where sickness nor sorrows ever come. 

You will please accept the heartfelt sympathies of the com- 
pany of which I now have the connnand, and of which Arthur 
was a most worthy and esteemed member. I can assure you that 
your brother had, while associated Avith us here, by his virtuous 
conduct, and his many amiable qualities, endeared himself to us 
all; and we feel that the place now made vacant in our ranks by 
his death, we may never expect to fill again. 

I am very respectfully, your friend, 

E. H. IMEKRIHEW, 
Capt. Co. B. lllth N. Y. S. V. 



CLIII. 

GEORGE W. KILBOURN. 

George W. Kilbourn, son of Jaimes and Catharine Living- 
ston KiLBOURN, was born in the city of Albany, September 1, 
1844. In his youth he was remarkable for his love of truth and 
sterling honesty. His parents and friends coidd say of him that 
they never knew him to tell a falsehood, or to do a dishonest 
act. He was a pupil of the Sabbath school attached to the 
church of which his parents were members, and always manifested 
a deep interest in the worship of God's house. 

At the commencement of the war, our young friend was 
exceedingly anxious to enlist as a soldier in the defence of his 
country, and was only deterred from doing so by the conviction 
of his parents, that he was too young for such a service. As our 
national perils, however, increased, and the family felt that 
some one of their number should be given up to the service of 
the countiy, George was permitted to go. Prompted by the 



816 JACOB VAN ALLEN. 

noblest impulses of patriotism, he enlisted October 10th, 1862, 
as Sergeant in Company D, of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth 
Regiment of New York Volunteers. Shortly after his enlist- 
ment the regiment was ordered to New Orleans, and from thence 
to Bonnet Carre. 

Here our young friend was seized with the typhoid fever, and 
died April 12th, 1863, a little more than eighteen years of age. 
The deep affliction into which his whole family was cast by this 
sad bereavement, and their feelings under it, are best described 
by the father's own words: 

"We miss his cheerful face and manly form m the home cir- 
cle; we miss him at the family altar, where, night and morning, 
he bowed with us before God. We no longer hear his voice, 
like sweet music, ascending in prayer, before he retires to rest. 
But Ave do not mourn as those who are without hope, for though 
he made no profession of religion, I believe he loved God and 
tried to serve Him. Often, unknown to me, after family prayer, 
and when he was about to lie down to rest, have I heard his 
voice in earnest supplication to his Heavenly Father." 

A Lieutenant, who was sick with him in the hospital, and who 
was with him when he died, expresses in strong terms his con- 
viction that " Geokge fell asleep in Jesus." 



CLIV. 

JACOB VAN ALLEN, 

OF BETHLEHEM 

Jacob Van Allen, son of John Van Allen, was born in Beth- 
lehem, and in youth received a good education, at the district 
school of his native town. He was also connected with the 
Normal School at Albany, and with the Princetown Seminary. 
AfterAvards he taught school in the winter and worked on the 
farm in the summer. 

In July, 1862, when President Lincoln issued his call for 
three hundred thousand volunteers, he enlisted as a private in 



CHARLES VAN ALLEN. 817 

Company E, Capt. N. H. Moore, in the One Hundred and Thir- 
teenth Regiment of Infantry N. Y. State Volunteers. He was, at 
that time, thirty-one years of age, and a patriot in principle. 

Mr. Van Allen was a firm believer in American liberty, and 
was a sincere patriot. He went with his regiment to Washing- 
ton, D. C, where they were assigned the duty of guarding the 
approaches to that city. He died, while in the service of the 
United States, at Fort Reno, near Washington, November 13th, 
1862, of typhoid fever. His remains were brought home and 
interred in the cemetery of the Dutch Reformed Church at Fura 
Bush, Albany county, N. Y. He left a widow and two children 
to mourn his loss. 



CLY. 

CHARLES VAN ALLEN, 

OF BETHLEHEM. 

Charles Van Allen, the brother of Jacob, was born in Beth- 
lehem, Albany county, November 16, 1839. He attended the 
district school until he was thirteen years of age, when he com- 
menced to learn the printer's trade at Albany, New York. He 
worked several years for Luther Tucker, Esq., on the "Albany 
Cultivator," and other works. 

The same call of the President that stirred up the patriotism 
of his brother Jacob, fired his heart. Though anxious to enlist 
in his country's cause, his duties to a young wife and two infant 
children, depending on his labor for their support, for a time 
restrained him. But his mind was relieved when George Daw- 
son, Esq., editor and proprietor of the "Albany Evening Jour- 
nal," announced that he would pay to the families of any six 
printers, who would volunteer, four dollars per week, during 
the time they remained in the United States service. Charles 
was among the first to accept Mr. Dawson's noble oifer, and on 
the 31st of July, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company E, 
(Captain N. H. Moore), of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regi- 
ment, New York State Volunteers. 

52 



818 CHAELES VAN ALLEN. 

Thus the brothers left Albany, side by side to battle, and as 
it proved, to die for their country's cause. 

Charles remained with his regiment until June 16, 1864, at 
which time, he, with a large number of his comrades, was taken 
prisoner by the reljcls at Petersburg, and carried to the Ander- 
sonville prison, Avhere, after suffering untold torture and starva- 
tion, death came to his relief September 18, 1864. 

His wife and children regularly received the promised four 
dollars per week from Mr. Dawson, from the day that Mr. Van 
Allen joined the army, until the regiment was mustered out 
in August, 1865, that is for nearly a year after Chaeles died. 
The amount paid was six hundred and twenty-eight dollars; a 
large sum to contribute to one family. But none but God can 
know what a relief it was to the sufiering and famishing martyr, 
in a southern prison, to know that a patriot hand promptly 
paid the promised sum to supply his family. The liberal donor 
has the sincere thanks of the widow and orphans, and their 
prayer to Heaven is, that God's blessing may rest upon him. 

The contrast between the relations of Mr. Dawson to the wife 
and children, and those of southern fiends to the patriot father, 
may be seen in the light of the following lines, entitled "The 
Andersonville Post Office," which describes an event that oc- 
curred in that horrible den, where our hero perished: 

No blanket round his wasted limbs, 
Under the rainy sky he slept ; 
"While pointing his envenomed shafts 
Around him, death, the archer, crept. 
He dreamed of hunger, and held out 
His hand, to clench a little bread — 
That the white angel with a torch, 
Among the living and the dead. 
Seemed bearing, smiling as he went; 
The vision waked him, and he spied 
The post-boy. followed by a crowd 
Of famished prisoners, wlio cried 
For letters from their friends. 
Crawling upon his hands and knees, 
He hears his own name called, and lo .' 
A letter from his wife he sees. 



CHARLES VAN ALLEN. 819 

Gasping for breath, he shrieked aloud, 
And. lost in nature's blind eclipse, 
Faltering amidst the suppliant crowd, 
Caught it and pressed it to his lips. 
A guard who followed, red and wroth. 
And flourishing a rusty brand, 
Reviled him with a taunting oath, 
And snatched tlie letter from his hand: 
" First pay the postage, whining wretch !" 
Despair has made the prisoner brave : 
" Then give me back my money, sir ! 
I am a captive, not a slave ! 
You took my money and my clothes. 
Take my life, too, but let me know 
How Mart and the children are, 
And I will bless you, ere I go." 

The very moonlight through his hands, 

As he stood supplicating, shone; 

And his sharp features shaped themselves 

Into a prayer, and such a tone 

Of anguish there was in his cry 

For his wife and children, that the guard - 

Thinking upon his own — passed by, 

And left him swooning on the sward ; 

Beyond the " dead line " fell his head — 

The eager sentry knew his mark. 

And with a crash, the bullet sped 

Into his brain, and all was dark. 

But when they turned his livid cheek 

Up toward the light, the pale lip smiled, 

Kissing a picture, fair and meek. 

That held in either hand a child. 

The following letter from Capt. Moore to Governor Fenton, 
does no more than justice to the memory of a brave and true 
soldier. It can hardly be necessary to state that the request of 
Capt. Moore was cheerfully granted by our patriotic Governor: 

Albany, October 30, 1865. 
To His Excellency Reuben E. Fenton, Governor 8. JSf. Y.: 

I have the honor to recommend to you Charles Van Allen, 
of Co. E, Seventh N. Y. Heavy Artillery, for a commission as 
Brevet Second Lieutenant. 



820 CHARLES VAN ALLEN. 

Corporal Van Allen was a brave and faithful soldier, always 
ready to do his duty, and when in battle, he was never known to 
shirk; and I never had occasion even to reprimand him. He 
served in my company from August, 1862. to June 16th, 1864, 
when he was taken prisoner by the rebels, at Petersburg, Va., 
and conveyed to Andersonville pen, where he died. He was in 
every battle in which his regiment was engaged. He leaves a 
widow and two children in this city. I am sure they would 
prize such a commission highly, as proof that his meritorious 
services have been appreciated. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

NORMAN H. MOORE, 
Late Captain 1th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 



M 



SHORT NOTICES. 821 



SHORT NOTICES. 



In the folloMing pages, we present short notices, of other 
deceased soldiers of the city and county of Albany, of whom 
full information could not be obtained. And in this additional 
list, we by no means comprise all the noble men from our city 
and county, who offered their lives upon the altar of their 
country. 

Some time since a law was passed, requiring every town in 
the State, to obtain some information concerning every soldier 
who had enlisted in our armies during the late war, and send the 
same to the Bureau of Military Record. Up to the time of our 
going to press, reports had not been received from Albany, New 
Scotland, Guilderland and Watervliet, of this county. Had we 
been favored with reports from the three latter towns, as we 
have been from the other towns in the county, our list, in these 
short notices, would be more complete than it now is. We do 
not profess, therefore, in this volume, even to give the names of 
all the patriot martyrs from our county; but we surely present 
enough to show the intense patriotism, the nol)le daring, the 
lofty heroism, and, in very many instances, the earnest piety, of 
the men who freely laid down their lives to perpetuate the 
American Union, and preserve the honor and the liberty of the 
American Republic. 

Captain Henry S. Hurlburt, of the Ninety-first Regiment, 
was killed in the assault on Port Hudson, June 14, 1863. 

Previous to the breaking out of the war, he was in the 
employ of the Central Railroad Company. When the organi- 
zation of the Third Regiment under Col. Fred. Townsend, 
was commenced, he recruited Company F of the regiment, and 
went away in command of it. Some time after the regiment 
entered the service he resigned and came home, and the Ninety- 
first Regiment being in process of organization, he accepted the 
command of a company attached to it. He was a young man of 
patriotic ardor and fine soldierly qualities. Up to the time of 
his death he had fought bravely and escaped the shot of the foe. 
He had a large circle of friends to mourn his death. 



822 SHOKT NOTICES. 

Lieutenant Charles B. Pieeson, of the Twenty-second Regi- 
ment, died at Washington of wounds received at the battle of 
Manassas, aged twenty-tive. He was wounded in the neck on 
Saturday, and laid on the held till the following Tuesday. His 
funeral took place here on the 15th, and was attended by Com- 
pany B and the Masonic fraternity. 

Lieutenant James Reid, of this city, was a victim of the l)attle 
of Bull Run. He was a member of the TAventy-hfth Regiment, 
N. Y. S. M., in the first three months' call. Upon the return of 
that regiment, he joined the Fifty-third as a Sergeant. When 
that regiment was disbanded, his company attached themselves 
.to the Seventeenth Regiment N. Y. V., with young Reid as 
Second Lieutenant. Reid was formerly a clerk with Messrs. 
Van Heusen & Charles of Albany. 

Louis Reehl, Oi'derly Sergeant of Company K, One Hundred 
and Seventy-seventh Regiment, died, aged twenty-five. He was 
formerly a member of the Twenty-fifth Regiment (late Col. 
Bryan), and Avas one of the first to respond to the call of the 
country of his adoption, for the defence of its capital. The priva- 
tions he suffered and hardships he endured, only nerved him for 
still greater and more active duties. He became Orderly Ser- 
geant of Company G, Tenth Regiment, X. G., and discharged his 
duties faithfull}' till Avorn out by sickness and disease. He came 
home only to linger for a fcAv^ short days, and receive his final 
discharo:e. 

Sergeant Henry B. Sanders, a native of Sussex, in England, 
was born on the llfh of April, 1840. Pie Avas a talented, benevo- 
lent and noble young man, and enlisted in Company R, Twenty- 
fifth Regiment Ncav York State Militia. After three months' 
sei'vice, he AA'as honorably discharged. 

Being hllcd Avitli the spirir of ])atriotism, he re-enlisted on the 
2d of September, 18(31, and joined the Fifty-third Regiment. 
From this he \A^as transferred to the Seventeenth Regiment, 
Colonel Lansing, Avhere he ser\'ed with great faithfulness and 
bravery for tAvo years, and received an honorable discharge. 
He again enlisted, in the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment 
NcAV York State Volunteers, and Avas killed at Coal Harbor, 
June 2, 18()4. 

Mr. Sanders was the army correspondent of the "Knicker- 
bocker," and his letters Ave re very graphic and interesting. He 
also kept a minute journal of daily cA^eiits and scenes. His loss 
is deeply deplored by a large circle of Avarm friends. 



SHOET NOTICES. 823 

Sergeant Michael Judge was born in Ireland in 1836. He 
resided in this country seventeen years, and then enlisted in the 
Fifty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers. Pie was at first a 
private, hut for his energy aud l)ravery he was made First Ser- 
geant, and held this position until he was shot at the battle of 
Autietam. He was buried on the battle field. 

Mr. Judge was the son of James and Bridget Judge, and he 
leaves a mother and several brothers to lament his death. He 
was a man of excellent moral character and was a mem])er of 
the Roman Catholic Church. 

Corporal William H. H. Lamoreaux, son of Joshua and Eliza 
\y. Lamoreaux, was I)orn in Westerlo, March 29, 1840. He 
enlisted as Corporal in the Seventh Regiment, August 6, 18G2. 
He was killed in front of Petersburg, Virginia, June l(j, 18(54. 

Corporal Jacob H. Slater, of Westerlo; born March 17, 1844. 
Enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 2, 1862. He 
was promoted to Corporal Fe1)ruary, 1864, and was in all the 
engagements of the Army of the Potomac, from the crossing of 
the Rapidan till the battle of Petersburg. There he received a 
wound in his left arm, aud died from the elfects of it at Wash- 
ington, July 7, 1864. 

Corporal David W. Chandler, enlisted at Albany, and was 
with his Company, without intermission, until the battle of Han- 
over Court House, with the single exception of being sent to 
Pialtimore in charge of John C. Calverley's remains. He w^as 
a good soldier; a w^orthy member of his regiment. He received 
three wounds, and, although suflc'ring much, w'oiild not be 
removed from the field, until those he thought needed assistance 
more than he, were cared for. He died in the regimental hospi- 
tal tent, on the 3d day of June, 1862; and Avas buried with a 
comrade under an oak tree, near the camp. A Pennsylvania 
Chaplain officiated. 

Corporal James Stewart Avas 1)orn IVIarch 3, 1841, in Phila- 
delphia, and came to Albany in April, 1848. He enlisted in 
Company C, One Hundred and Thirteenth New York Regiment, 
in July, "1862, and was killed May 30. 1864. 

James Avas a brave and efficient soldier, and had he lived he 
Avould doubtless have reached a higher rank than that of Corporal. 
He Avas respected by his felloAV soldiers and ardently loved by 
all Avho kncAv him. 

His death has fallen Avith crushing weight on his parents, as 
he Avas their only surviving child. At the time of his death, he 
Avas in tiie tAventy-fourth year of his age. 



824 SHOET NOTICES. 

Corporal Alfred Lembrocht was born in Germany, and 
enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August, 1862, He 
was taken prisoner at Coal Harbor, and was never afterwards 
heard from. 

George Elder, son of George and Margaret Elder was 
born in the city of Albany, on the 14th of July, 1845. The 
family attend the North Dutch Church, and George was a 
member of the Sabbath school connected with that church. 

He enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New 
York Regiment, on the 15th day of October, 1862, and he left 
for New Orleans on the 17th of December, He participated 
in the siege of Port Hudson, and was distinguished for his faith- 
fulness and bravery. The hardships of the siege destroyed his 
health, and he was prostrated by a fever. Being until for service 
he returned home on the 1st day of September, 1863, with the 
hope that he might rally and be restored to health. But his 
disease bailled all medical skill, and he gradually grew weaker 
until the 10th of September, when he expired. 

During his sickness I visited him, and received from him evi- 
dence of his perfect trust in his Saviour. His remains rest in 
the Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Dennis Dunkin, enlisted August 20, 1861, in Company A, New 
York State Volunteers. He was engaged in all the principal 
battles until July 4, 1862, when he was wounded while on picket 
duty, after the seven days' l)attle. He was sent to the general 
hospital at Georgetown, and then transferred to the general 
hospital on David's Island. He recovered, and in February 
re-enlisted in the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery. He died of 
disease June 21, 1863, He was loved and respected by his 
companions in arms, and after his death they furnished the 
necessary means to have him eml)almed, and sent to his parents, 
who reside in Albany. They live to mourn the loss of a loving 
and dutiful son. 

Adam Campbell, son of William and Elizabeth Campbell, 
was born in the town of Knox, August 30, 1842, 

His parents died ])efore he was fourteen years of age. He was 
a dutiful son, and was always an affectionate brother. He was not 
a professor of religion, but was a thorough patriot, and felt that 
the rebellion was a wicked and unholy one, and that it was his 
duty to assist in erushing it. 

He enlisted August 12, 1862, in Company K, One Hundred 
and Thirteenth N, Y. Volunteer Infantry, He was in all the 
engagements with his regiment until August 25, 1864. At the 



SHORT NOTICES. 825 

battle of Reams' Station he was taken prisoner. He was a brave 
and efficient soldier, cheerful and ever ready to do his duty. As 
a prisoner he bore his misfortunes with great fortitude. He was 
contined at 8alisbur3% N. C, at which place he died January 5, 
18G5, and was there buried. The history of the confinement and 
death of our brave men in the prison pens, is well known. His, 
was the sad experience of thousands of others. 

Williajm D. Sprinks was born in the city of Albany, Septem- 
hev 2, 1841, and was the son of James and Matilda Sprinks. He 
received from his parents a Christian education, and from child- 
hood was a member of the Sabbath school connected with the 
North Pearl Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of Albany. At 
the age of fourteen years, he oljtained a hope that he was a Chris- 
tian, and united with that church. Afterwards he removed his 
membership to the Washiugtou Avenue M. E. Church, in which 
he remained until his death. 

Being inspired by a love for his country, he enlisted on the 
20th of August, 1861, in Company A, Forty-third New York 
Regiment. He was in no general battk^ but was in several skir- 
mishes, in which he manifested great coolness and In'avery. He 
was seized with the typhoid fever at Camp Griffin, in Virginia, 
and after four weeks sickness he died, February 25, 1862. He 
was buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery March 2, 18(52. 

Thomas Wardrobe Avas born in Sandell, Yorkshire, England, 
on the 12th of i\lay, 1814, and came to the United States in 1843. 
He was a professor of religion, aud connected with the First 
Baptist Church in Albany. His sympathies were strongly with 
the Union, but he entered the army mainly because an only 
son had enlisted under the age of sixteen. 

He was a nieml)er of Company F, One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers, and was in Banks' expe- 
dition. He participated in all the skirmishes of the regiment, 
and in the taking of Port Hudson. During the siege of that 
place, he was taken sick with the camp fever, followed hy chronic 
diarrhoea, with which he suffi»red until his term of enlistment 
expired; then lie started with the regiment for home, in the lat- 
ter part of August, 1866, Imt he grew rapidly worse, and was 
obliged to ))e left at Cleveland, Ohio. There he lingered twelve 
days, and died on the 9tli of September, at peace with God. He 
was a true patriot, and never regretted that he had left home 
and friends for his countiy. His remains Avere brought to Albany, 
and interred in the Rural Cemetery. 

James Pringle, son of James and Jane S. Pringle, was born 
m Glasgow, Scotland, in 1822. He Avas married in 1841 to Miss 



826 SHORT NOTICES. 

Agnes Brown, in Glasgow, and came to America the same year, 
and settled in Canada. He came to Albany to reside in 1852, 
and was a bookkeeper with Messrs. Davidson & Viele, hardware 
merchants. 

He enlisted in 1861 in Company I, of the One Hnndred and 
Thirty-tirst Kegiment, and w^as a taithful and brave soldier. He 
was killed at Port Hudson l)y the bursting of a shell. He leaves 
an excellent wife and live children to moin-n his loss. 

Mr. Pringle's son, James, also served his country faithfully in 
the navy, and returned without injury. 

William D. JMaeshall, son of Charles and Mary Ann Mar- 
shall, was born in this city, April 17, 1843. His enlistment in 
the arm}' was made while he was an apprentice to the carpenter's 
trade, on the 27tli of November, 1861. He was a private in Com- 
pany G, of the Forty-foni'th Regiment. He fell mortally wounded 
in the battle of Hanover Court House, May 27, 1862. 

John Scahall. — Of those who volunteered to fill up the 
depleted ranks of the Twenty-fifth Regiment was John Scahall. 
His career as a soldier, during that memorable period, was hon- 
orable and meritorious. Read}' to meet every requisition of the 
Government for men, he again accouipanied the same regiment 
in 1862, and returned after another three months campaign in 
Virginia. In the summer of I860, leaving a lucrative employ- 
ment, he enlisted in the Seventh Artiller}^ stationed at Foits De 
Russey and Reno, in Maryland, Avhere he remained until last 
May, when his regiment, in compliance with the request of its 
gallant Colonel for a i)ost of honor and activity, was ordered to 
the front, on the march to Richmond, imder Gen. Grant. He 
passed through all of the severe engagements, which distin- 
guished that campaign, down to the 16th of June, 1864, when he 
was taken prisoner. After having remained in Richmond a short 
time, he was removed further south, and at last to Savannah, Ga., 
where he died last August. The news of his death reached here 
but a few days ago, with that of his friend and comrade in con- 
finement. Madden, who died three days before at the same 
place. — The Albany Times. 

William G. I^eddy, a lad who was only fifteen years of age 
when he enlisted, died amid the horrors of Andersonville prison. 
He was the son of the late Peter G. Leddy, a man much esteemed 
in the conmiunity. 

William H. Vandenburg. — Died, in Mount Pleasant Hospital, 
near Port Hudson, William H., only son of Jacob L. and Cor- 



SHORT NOTICES. 827 

NELiA Vandenburg, of the Boglit, Albany county, aged twenty- 
three years. 

The deceased was a member of Company B (Capt. Merrihew), 
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York Volunteers, and 
enlisted, actuated by the purest patriotism. He was a most 
correct and amiable youth, and gained the love of all who knew 
him. His comrades in arms highly esteemed him for his unself- 
ish devotion to their welftire and happiness. 

The prayer meetings in the camp well attested his piety and 
devotion to the cause of Christ. When it was evident that he 
must die, he had a calm and implicit trust in his Saviour. Writing 
to his parents, July 20, 1863, he said: " I hope you will pray 
that I may have strength to reach home; or, if not, that we may 
be permitted to meet in Heaven. Pray, also, that I may have 
grace to die, if it is the Lord's will to take me." 

This young man was given to God and the nation, by his 
parents and two loving sisters, with many prayers and tears; and 
in their deep alHiction, they are consoled l>y the bright hope of 
meeting the departed, in the realms of the blessed. 

James Rice — Died, in November, 1861, at Camp King, Mun- 
son's Hill, Virginia. He was but sixteen years of age when he 
enlisted to serve his country. The boy left his home inspired 
with the thought that he, in the hour of the nation's extremity, 
might do something for our honor or protection. He joined the 
army with high aims, and proved an active, faithful and efficient 
soldier. While on picket duty, guarding his companions in 
arms, he was shot by the enemy and fell. His last words to his 
dear father were: "Father, I have done my whole duty to my 
country." 

WiLLi^viNi I. Wooley. — The patriotism of Willi^ui I. Wooley 
was strikingly conspicuous. He was one of the tirst to respond 
to the call of his country, and in spite of ill health, and the 
remonstrances of friends who felt that his impaired strength 
rendered him unfit for service, he persevered in his no])le efforts 
for the defence of the nation until his death, which occurred in 
the Georgetown hospital, July 13, 1861. 

WoTKYNS Van Derlip was born in Abany, April 21st, 1842, 
and was the son of Elias and Margaret A. Van Derlip. He 
was a most dutiful and loving son, a kind and affectionate 
brother, and beloved l)y all who knew him. For some years he 
Avas a member of the First Congi-egational Sabbath School of this 
city; and, although he never united with any church, yet he had 
the highest regard for religion, the Sabbath, and all sacred 
things. 



828 SHOKT NOTICES. 

When the rebellion broke out, at the call of the President for 
troops, he enlisted as a private in the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. 
Y. IS. Militia. He was stationed at Arlington Heights, where 
he worked upon Fort Albany until it was completed. While 
there on picket duty during a heavy thunder storm, he took a 
very severe cold, which caused congestion of the lungs, and 
finally resulted in consumption. 

He returned Avith the regiment. But he was still very desirous 
of serving his country, and assisting in crushing the rebellion. 
Being physically unal>le to go into the field, he was employed as 
clerk in the Provost Marshal's office at All)any until it was broken 
up. Then he was appointed as clerk of a court martial in ses- 
sion at Annapolis. This position he was filling at the time of 
his death. He was attacked suddcnlj' with hemorrhage of the 
lungs, and, after a few days illness, he died, Sunday, September 
17, 1865. He fully realized his situation, and died happy, trust- 
ing in Jesus. 

Leonard Coenwell, of Bern, was the son of Albert and 
Mary Cornwell, and enlisted in Company D, Sixty-first New 
York Regiment. On leaving home, he was presented with a 
Bible by his half brother, William Henry, and this holy book 
was his constant companion. He read it through while he was 
connected with the army. After three days severe fighting at 
Gettysburg, he was killed. This is all the information that we 
have been able to o])tain concerning him. ^^^e may reasonably 
hope, that the daily reading of God's holy Avord, was blessed to 
his soul. 

James Edgar Wood was born in Bern, February 8, 1844, and 
was the son of Abraham and Lucinda Whipple. He was adopted 
and brought up by his grand parents, Solomon and Catharine 
Wood, and therefore took the name of Wood. He enlisted, 
December 16, 1862, in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh New York Regiment. He was in General Banks' expe- 
dition at New Orleans. He died of consumption, August 7, 1863. 
The place of his burial is unknown. 

John Lyon was born in the toAvn of Bern, in the year 1843, 
and was the son of Stephen and Catherine Lyon. He w^as a 
youth of excellent moral character, and was a true patriot. On 
the 8th of September, 1862, he enlisted as a private in the Sixty- 
first Regiment of New York. He was stationed in Falmouth, 
Virginia, where he faithfully discharged every duty to which he 
was called. He was suddenly taken ill, and died on the 12th of 
December, 1862. His officers give him the highest praise for 
private virtues and public services. 



SHORT NOTICES. ' 829 

John Taylor, of Bern, enlisted September 1, 1861, in the 
Ninety-first Regiment. Died in the hospital at Baltimore. His 
remains were embalmed and sent home. Buried in Bern. 

Daniel Van Deusen enlisted October 2, 1863, iu the Tenth 
Regiment. Died at Port Hudson, June 18, 1863. 

William Post enlisted December, 1863, in the Seventh Regi- 
ment. Killed in battle, June 7, 1864, at Coal Harbor, and 
buried on the field of battle. 

Orville Merihue, enlisted August 12, 1862, in the Seventh 
Regiment. Died at Milieu prison, from starvation and derange- 
ment. Place of burial unknown. 

William Harrison Canull enlisted November, 1861, in the 
Ninety-third Regiment. Died, of typhoid fever, in Baltimore, 
August 11, 1863. Buried in cemetery in Baltimore. 

John Henry Canull, enlisted August 14, 1862. He was 
killed in battle June 6, 1864, at Petersburg, by being shot 
through the head. He was buried on the battle field. 

Lucius E. Ball, enlisted August 6, 1862, in the One Hundred 
and Thirteenth Regiment. Killed in battle at Coal Harbor. 

Charles B. Bogardus was born May 6, 1839, in Bern. He 
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, August 6, 1862, and was killed 
in battle at Coal Harbor, June 3, 1864. He was buried on the 
field. 

William H. Bogardus was born in Bern, June 30, 1845. He 
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, December 28, 1863, and was 
in the battle of Coal Harbor June 3, 1864. He was taken 
prisoner, and died in Salisbury prison, N. C. 

George H. Warner was born in Bern, 1844. He enlisted in 
the Tenth Regiment, Co. C, October 1, 1862, and died at home 
of disease taken in the service, September 28, 1863. He Avas 
buried at the Lutheran church Cemetery, Bern. 

Peter William Warner was born in Bern, and enlisted in the 
Seventh Regiment, January 6, 1864. He died at Andersonville, . 
Ga., of starvation, November 16, 1864. 

Carpenter N. Wright was born in Bern, and enlisted in Com- 
pany I, Seventy-sixth Regiment, October 19, 1861. He died at 
Camp Convalescent, December 16, 1862, and was buried at Fair- 
fax Cemetery. 



830 SHORT NOTICES. 

Edmund Bell was born in Bern, and enlisted in Co. E, JS^inety- 
first Regiment, October 26, 1861. He died of wounds received 
in the battle of Port Hudson, May 30, 1863, and was buried at 
Port Hudson. 

Hiram Wildday, of Bern, enlisted in Company I, Sixty-first 
Regiment, Septeml^er, 1862. He was wounded in the right 
shoulder, in front of Petersburg, June 22, 1864. Died at City 
Point, June 25, 1864, and was buried there. 

Peter G. Bough, born at Middleburg, July 11, 1828, and 
enlisted in Company H, Thirteenth Regiment, August 31, 1864. 
He died at City Point, of disease, November 27, 1864. Buried 
at Gallupville Cemetery, Schoharie County. 

Cyrus B. Ostrom was born in Bern, September 15, 1826, and 
enlisted in Company D, Ninety-first Regiment, October 26, 1861. 
He was killed in battle at Port Hudson, June 14, 1863, and was 
buried at Port Hudson. 

Jesse D. Wood was born in Bern, August 11, 1846, and 
enlisted in Company C, Tenth Regiment, October 1, 1862. He 
died of disease while in service at Port Hudson, August 13, 
1863. His remains were brought home and buried in Bern. 

Chauncey Striner, born in Bern, enlisted in Company C, 
Seventh Regiment, January 5, 1864. He died while a prisoner 
at Andersouville, August 11, 1864. 

Timothy McCarty enlisted in Company I, Sixty-first Regi- 
ment, September 15, 1862, and was drowned at West Troy, 
September 21, 1862. Buried in Bern. 

Joseph B. Northrup, born in Bern, enlisted in Company I, 
Sixty-first Regiment, September 15, 1862. He also was drowned 
at West Troy, September 21, 1865, and was buried in Bern. 

John R. Frink, died at Bonnet Carre, June, 1863, of bilious 
fever. 

William H. Stalker, born in Bern, enlisted in the Sixty-first 
Regiment, August 18, 1862. Died of disease at Washington, 
May, 1864. 

James H. Hammond enlisted in Company I, Seventy-sixth Regi- 
ment, October 21, 1862, and died at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863. 



SHORT NOTICE?. 831 

Jasper Haight was born in Bern, March 31, 1842, and enlisted 
October, 1861. He died at Fortress Monroe in 18()2. 

HiRAiM D. Wood enlisted in Company K, Seventh Eegiment, 
August 4, 1862, and diedatAndersonville prison, December, 1864. 

John Ranna was born in Irehxnd, and enlisted in Company B, 
Seventh Kegiment, August, 1862. He was killed in battle, at 
the Wilderness, and buried there. 

John Engle w^as born in Germany, and died in the service of 
the United States. 

Garret H, Vanderpoel, born June 30, 1842, and enlisted in 
Company H, Ninety-first Regiment, October, 1861. He served 
through all the campaigns of his regiment, until the 25th of May, 
1863, when he was killed at Port Hudson. 

John G. Wallay was born in Bethlehem, and enlisted in 
Company F, Forty-fourth Regiment, September, 1861. He 
served with his regiment, till about the time of the evacuation 
of Yorktowu, when he was taken sick and died in the hospital, 
in September, 1862. 

John Felay was born in Ireland, and enlisted in the One 
Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment, in 1862. He died in the 
service, in the Gulf Department. 

John A. Everling enlisted in Company F, Fifty-first Regi- 
ment, August 30, 1864. He was captured in battle at Poplar 
Grove Church, in Virginia, September 30, 1864. Since then 
nothing is known of him or of his fate. 

George W. BRO^VN enlisted in Company H, Forty-third Regi- 
ment, September, 1862, and died of sickness at Belle Plain, in 
February, 1863. 

John Flagel enlisted August 10, 1862, and was killed at Coal 
Harbor, June 16, 1864. 

James Herring, of Bethlehem, enlisted in Company C, Seventh 
Regiment, August, 1862, and was killed in the battle of the 
Wilderness. 

Theodore Kirkham enlisted in the Ninety-third Regiment, 
1861, and died in the service. 



832 SHORT NOTICES. 

John Long, of Bethlehem, enlisted in Company K, One Hun- 
drecl and Seventy-seventh Regiment, September, 1862, and died 
in Louisiana, in 1863. 

Max Schindler was born in Berlin, Prussia, October, 1847, 
and enlisted in Company H, Forty-third Regiment, August 28, 
1862. He was wounded and taken prisoner, May 23, 1864. He 
remained in prison thirty-live days, and returned to our lines 
and died in an hospital at Alexandria, June 27, 1864. 

Matthew Shillford, enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regi- 
ment, at Bethlehem, August, 1862. He was taken prisoner at 
Coal Harbor, and died in Andersonville. 

John Stultz, of Bethlehem, was born in Germany, January 7, 
1843. He enlisted in Company B, Seventh Regiment, July 29, 
1862, and was taken prisoner at Coal Harbor and died at Ander- 
sonville. 

Peter Taylor, of Bethlehem, was born July 10, 1818. He 
enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 8, 1862, and 
was killed at Reams' Station, August 25, 1864. 

Joseph Kimmer, of Bethlehem, was born April 24, 1841, and 
enlisted in Company D, Forty-sixth Regiment, July, 1861. He 
served with his regiment till December, 1863, when he was 
taken sick, and died in an hospital at Alexandria. 

Stephen Walker, of Bethlehem, was born in Glarken, Scot- 
land, in 1835. He enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and 
Twenty-first Regiment, August, 1862, and was killed in the bat- 
tle of the Wilderness. 

Joseph Breche was born in Switzerland, 1823, and enlisted 
in Company A, Ninety-first Regiment, August, 1861. He died 
in an hospital at Baton Rouge, July 3, 1863. 

George R. Bailey was born June, 1834, and enlisted in Com- 
pany I, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, October 
17, 1862. He died of typhoid fever in the hospital at Bonnet 
Carre, March 21, 1863. His remains were brought home, and 
buried in Albany. 

James Albraight enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and 
Seventy-seventh Regiment, October, 1862, and served with his 
reoiment till after the siejie of Port Hudson. He returned sick 
and died at Albany soon after he was discharged. 



SHORT NOTICES. 833 

Eugene Beonk, son of John and Gantia V. Bronk, was born 
in Coeymans. He enlisted, October 15, 1862, in the One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Company I, and died at 
Port Hudson, La., in August, 1863, of fever. His remains were 
brought home and buried in the Coeymans Cemetery. 

Andrew B. Carknard, son of Robert and Catharine Cark- 
NARD, was born in ]5ethlehem, N. Y. He enlisted, October 16, 

1862, in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Com- 
pany I, and died of bilious fever, at Bonnet Carre, La., in March, 

1863. He was buried at that place. 

Joel Carknard, l)rother of Andrew, enlisted October 17, 
18(52, in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Com- 
pany I. He died at Bonnet Carre, in May, 1863, and was buried 
there. 

William H. Carknard, born in Coeymans, was the son of 
John and Catharine Carknard, and enlisted July, 1862, in Co. 
F, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment. 

John E. Carknard was born in Coeymans; enlisted in the 
One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company F, July, 1862. 
All that we know of him, is, that he died in the army. 

Peter Lawson, son of James Lawson, was born at Coeymans, 
and enlisted October 16, 1862, in the One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Regiment, Company I. He died at Bonnet Carre, La., 
May, 1863, of typhoid fever, and was buried there. 

Charles B. Lisk, son of John and Lydia A. Lisk, was born 
at Coejanans, and enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirteenth 
Regiment, Company F, August, 1862. He died in the hospital 
of wounds received in the battle before Petersburo;. 

John G. Rowl.\nd was born in Germany, and enlisted July, 
1862, in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company 
F, at Albany. He died June 2, 1864, in Mount Pleasant Hos- 
pital, of a wound received before Petersburg. 

Willlvm Spanberg, the son of Hartford and Thankful Span- 
berg, was born at Coeymans May 11, 1838. He enlisted 1861 
in Company E, Eighteenth Regiment, and participated in the 
tirst Bull Run battle. There, instead of running, he retired 
leisurely from the field, and when fatigued he rested in the open 
field, regardless of a victorious enemy. Afterwards, he was 

53 



834 SHORT NOTICES. 

taken ill with typhoid fever, sent to the hospital in the vicinity 
of New York, and died June 11, 1862. His remains were brought 
home, and funeral services were held by Rev. James Birch, of 
the Methodist Church. He was buried in the Coeymans Hollow 
Cemetery. 

James W. Scofield, son of John Scofield, was Ijorn in Coey- 
mans, and enlisted October 14, 1862, in the One Hundred and 
Seventy-Seventh Regiment, Company I. He died at Coeyinans 
September, 1863. 

Christopher I. Sickler, of CocA^mans, enlisted October 17, 
1862, in the One Hundred and Seventy-Seventh Regiment, Com- 
pany I. He died at Bonnet Carre in 1863. 

Isaac Te.vl, son of John Teal, enlisted October 14, 1862, in 
the One Hundred and Seventy-Seventh Regiment, Company I. 
He died of fever at Bonnet Carre in 1863, and was buried there. 

Joel Waters, of Coeymans, enlisted October 16, 1862, in the 
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Company I, at 
Albany, He died at Bonnet Carre, May, 1863, of typhoid fever. 

Daniel W. Wise enlisted August, 1862. in the One Hundred 
and Thirteenth Regiment, Company F. He died of wounds 
received before Petersburg, Virginia. 

William E. Becker was a lad some sixteen or seventeen years 
of age. He enlisted October 14, 1862. Almost immediately 
afterAvards, he was prostrated with a violent fever, and his life 
was despaired of. On his recovery, when in a very feeble state 
of health, he joined his company (I, One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Regiment), against the protestations of friends, thus 
showing that he was actuated by patriotism. He participated in 
the assault and capture of Port Hudson, Avhere he exhibited a 
daring and bravery far beyond his years. Being taken ill on his 
w^ay home, on arriving at Cleveland, Ohio, the patriotic and 
generous ladies of that place took him in charge. There he 
died, and his remains were entombed. 

John McGaffin, of Cohoes, son of James McGaffin and Mar- 
garet Bell, was born in the county of Ulster, Ireland, in 1842. 
He came to this country with his parents in 1849, and settled in 
Cohoes. He prepared for College under the Rev. C. N. Wal- 
DRON, his pastor, and was admitted to the Freshman class of Rut- 
ger's College, New Jersey, in 1860. During his Junior year, he 



SHORT NOTICES. 835 

enlisted as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy- 
seventh Regiment N. Y, S. V., and was killed instantly by the 
discharge of a shell from the rebel batteries, at the siege of Port 
Hudson on June 18, 1863. He was a member of the Reformed 
Dutch Church of Cohoes, having uuited on profession in May, 
1858. He was a young man of excellent disposition and pro- 
mising talents, and was pursuing his studies preparatory to the 
ministry, Avhen he felt the Master had need of him in the ser- 
vice of his country. He Avas buried by his comrades near the 
spot where he was killed. 

Adam Turner, of Cohoes, the son of Samuel Turner, w^as 
born in Castlereagh, in Ireland, on March 12, 1823. He 
married Jane Craig, Novenil)er 10, 1848, and removed to this 
country in 1850. He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Com- 
pany I, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, and died at Cohoes 
from dysentery, contracted hy exposure and fatigue Avith the 
arni}^ before Richmond. He Avas buried, October 14, 1864. 

James K. Stevens, of Cohoes, son of John Stephens and 
Elizabeth Deitz, Avas born in Cohoes, on October 27, 1844. 
He enlisted trom Cohoes, in Company H, Fourth Regiment, New 
York Heavy Artillery, and died in the hospital at Annapolis, 
November 6, 1864, from sickness contracted in Richmond prison. 
He Av^as buried from the Reformed Dutch Church of Cohoes, on 
NoA^ember 13, 1864, 

George E. Van Vliet, of Cohoes, the son of Peter Van 
Vliet and Eliza Ferguson, Avas born in Rahway, Ncav Jersey, 
in 1830. He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Company H, 
One Hundred and ScA^enty-seventh Regiment, New York State 
Volunteers, and died at the hospital at Bonnet Carre, Louisiana, 
on May 18, 1863, in the tAAa^nty-fourth year of his age. 

He united, on profession, in March, 1859, Avith the Reformed 
Dutch Church of Cohoes, and Avherever he was knoAvn, he was 
recognized as an earnest and decided christian. He was prepar- 
ing for the AA'ork of the ministry, and had finished his course at 
Burr Seminary, Vermont, and Avas about to enter Hamilton 
College, Avheu he felt it to be his duty to enlist in the service of 
his country. 

D^vNiEL D. Tuthill, of Cohoes, was l)orn in the State of Con- 
necticut, March 17, 1817. He enlisted from Cohoes, as private 
in Company I, Seventh Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery. 
He Avas Avounded in the engagement at North Anna Bridge, Vir- 
ginia, on May 30, 1864, and died at the hospital in \^^ashington, 
on July 9, 1864. He Avas])uried from Cohoes, on July 16. 1864. 



8^B SHORT NOTICES. 

Edward Greason, of Cohoes, son of Thomas Greason and 
Ellen Jones, was born at Hyde, Cheshii-e. England, December 
12, 1832. He enlisted from Cohoes, in Company A, Seventy- 
sixth Eegiment, New York State Volnnteers, and was wounded 
at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, after, which, he was 
missing. He is supposed to have died on the field of battle and 
to have been buried by the enemy. 

Leonard G. Fletcher, of Cohoes, the son of Isaac F. 
Fletcher and Catharine Bovee, was born in Cohoes, February 
25, 1841. He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Company A, 
Twenty-second Regiment, New York State Volunteers, and was 
engaged in the second Bull Run battle, August 30, 1862. After 
this battle he was missing, and is supposed to have been wounded 
and died. He was a Sabbath school scholar of the Reformed 
Dutch Church of Cohoes. 

Henry O. Osterhout, of Cohoes, son of William H. Oster- 
HOUT and Sarah Ann Gardner, was born in Bethlehem, Albany 
County, on November 18, 1847. He enlisted from Cohoes, as a 
private in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regi- 
ment, New York State Volunteers, and was with the army at the 
sieo;e of Port Hudson. He returned home with his regiment in 
September, 1863, and died from sickness contracted during his 
service, on June 19, 1864. 

William H. Cranston, son of James Cr/Vnston and Catharine 
M. Wells, was born in the city of New York, on April 21, 1837. 
He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Company A, the 
Seventy-sixth Regimen* New York State Volunteers, and was 
killed at the battle of Gettysburg, on July 1, 1863. He was 
buried from the Reformed Dutch church of Cohoes, on July 16, 
1863. 

Jacob Alonzo Taylor, of Cohoes, son of John Taylor and 
Margaret Wheeler, was born in Troy, on December 20, 1845. 
He enlisted from Cohoes as a private in Company H, in the One 
Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, New York State 
Volunteers. He accompanied his regiment on its way home, 
until he reached Rochester, New York, where he was taken sick 
and died, on September 3, 1863. He was a scholar in the Sab- 
bath School, and was beloved by all who knew him. His funeral 
was held from the church, on September 6, 1863. 

Franklin Comstock, of Guilderland, son of David S. and 
Mary Comstock, was born in New Scotland, September 18, 1844. 
He was an upright, industrious and amiable youth; and at the 



SHORT NOTICES. 837 

age of fifteen he became a Christian, and united with the Method- 
ist Episcopal church. Actuated by the purest patriotism, he 
enlisted Octol^er 18, 18()2, in Company C, One Hundred and 
Ninety-ninth New York Regiment. Soon after his arrival at 
Bonnet Carre, La., he Avas seized with acute rheumatism, and 
taken to the hospital, on the 14th of January, 1863. There he 
suifered intensely for many long weary months, being much of 
the time entirely helpless. But he bore his pains with heroic 
fortitude, and without uttering a single complaint. His com- 
rades were exceedingly kind to him, and did all in their power 
for his comfort. But he died April 14, 1863, and was buried at 
Bonnet Carre. In December, 1863, his remains were brought 
home, and interred in the Prospect Hill Cemetery at Guilder- 
land. 

George Riter enlisted in Company I, Sixty-first Regiment, 
August 30, 1862, and Avas killed May 10, 1864, at Po River, Va. 

John Smith, of Knox, was born November, 1837, and enlisted 
in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 9, 1862. He died in 
Baltimore, March 16, 1864. 

Gabriel Secor was born in Knox, March 12, 1838, and enlisted 
in Company D, Ninety-first Regiment. He was in battle at Fort 
McHenry, and died at Fort Federal Hill. He was buried at 
Bern. 

Uriah Hollenbeck enlisted in Company G, Tenth Regiment, 
and died in the service. He was buried in Cairo. 

Madison Settle enlisted in Company G, Sixteenth Regiment, 
and died in the service, and was buried at Fort Pillow. 

Peter H. Stevens, of Knox, enlisted in the One Hundred and 
Thirteenth Regiment, July 1862, and died. 

Henry H. Allen, of Knox, was born May 10, 1843, amj 
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, Company K, August 1, 1862. 
After serving nearly two years, he was mortally wounded, and 
was buried near Petersburg 

Joseph N. Bandy, born in Knox, April 1, 1821. Enlisted in 
Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 12, 1862. After being 
in the service nearly three years, it is supposed he died in a 
rebel prison. 

Adam M. Haines, born in Knox, December 27, 1836, enlisted 
in Company D, Ninety-first Regiment, August, 1861. After 



838 SHORT NOTICES. 

being in the service nearly two years, he was wounded at Port 
Hudson, from which he died in foui-teen days. He was buried 
in New Orleans. 

Andrew ^Y. Kellogg, of Knox, a private in the Havelock 
Battery, son of Amos and Lucy Kellogg, was born in Florida, 
Schenectady county, New York, June 12, 1822. He experienced 
religion at Northampton, Fulton county. New York, in 1848, and 
united with the Presbyterian Church of that place. He was, up 
to the time of his death, a useful and active member. Pure 
patriotism induced him to leave family and friends, and unite 
with the many brave defenders of his country; and he enlisted 
in the Havelock Battery, November 11, 18(31. His battery was 
in the battle of Manassas Junction, but his health was too poor 
to admit of his participating in the same. He died at the Marine 
hospital, of small pox, June 1, 18(33, and to the last moment, was 
constantly urging those around him, to prepare for death. He 
was buried near the hospital. 

Amos Gideon Haines, born in Knox, August 21, 1839, enlisted 
in Comi)any D, Ninety-tirst Regiment, August, 18(31. He was in 
service nearly three years, and died of disease. His remains lie 
in Knoxville Cemetery. 

Elias Hane was born in Knox, September 28, 1844, and 
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, July 26, 1862. He served his 
country faithfully for two years, and died of wounds in the leg, 
received at Coal Harbor. His remains rest in Knoxville Ceme- 
tery. 

David Barton, the son of Stephen and Polly Lincoln Bar- 
ton, was born in Rensselaerville, April 30th, 1837. He enlisted 
November 24, 1861, at Albany, and died at Key West, Florida, 
April 28, 1862, of typhoid fever, and was buried there. 

Charles F. Barton, brother of David, was born at Rensselaer- 
ville, June 3d, 1847, and enlisted November 24, 1861, at Albany. 
He died at Key West, June 28, 1862, with fever, contracted in 
the service, and was buried there. Thus fell two heroes from the 
same patriotic family. 

Edwin Crandall, son of William and Ruth Underhill Cran- 
dall, was born March 16, 1841. He enlisted August, 1862, in 
the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment, Company F, 
and died about December 23, 1862, from a wound received Dec. 
13, in battle of Fredericksburg, and is buried there. 



SHORT NOTICES. 839 

Peter Raferty was l)orn in Ireland, June, 1830. He enlisted 
September 4, 1861, in the Third Kegiment, Company L. He was 
taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and died while in the hands of the 
rebels. The place of his burial is not known. 

Edward C. Platto, son of Ja:mes A. and Christiaxa Platto, 
was born in Albany, on the 8th day of July, 1827. He received 
a good education, when his parents removed with him to Pough- 
keepsie, where he learned a trade. In 1857 he again came to 
reside in All)any, and was niarried. May 1st, 1859. 

From the tirst breaking out of the rebellion, he manifested an 
earnest desire to assist in crushing it. Through his wife's eilbrts, 
he was kept back for a few months. But he soon came to the 
conclusion, and lioldly declared that his duty to his country was 
tirst, and that to his family second; and accordingly he enlisted 
in Company D, Tenth liegiment Xational Guards. His Lieuten- 
ant wrote that in every battle, and when before Port Hudson, he 
was always first at his post, and on one occasion, when the call 
to arms was sounded, he rushed out with only part of his clothes 
on, so anxious was he to be in his place. 

Ten days before the regiment left Port Hudson for home, he 
was taken sick of the typhoid fever. He was brought with the 
regiment as far as Cleveland, O., where he was left in the hospi- 
tal. On Monday, September 1st, he died, and on Tuesday, 
September 2d, 1863, his remains were brought to Albany by 
his tAvo brothers, and deposited in the Dutch Reformed burial 
ground on State street, in this city. 

Alexander Swartwout, son of Miner C. and Susanna Swart- 
wouT, was born in Rensselaerville, June, 1824. He enlisted 
August 6, 1862, and of his fate his friends know nothing. 

Nathan Lester Fish, son of Dennison and Minerva Lester 
Fisii, was born in Rensselaerville, September 4, 1844, and 
enlisted August 6, 1862, in the Seventh Regiment, Company K. 
He served in all the engagements of the regiment until June, 
1864, when he was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Va. He was 
taken to Andersonville prison, and has never been heard of since. 

Isaac E. Finch, son of Smith A. and Martha Knowles Finch, 
was born in Rensselaerville, September 11, 1843. He enlisted 
in Seventh Regiment, Company K, August 6, 1862. He was in 
several battles, and was killed in the battle of Tolopotomy 
Creek, and buried there. 

Charles Greene, son of Almar W. and Maria Van Wort 
Greene, was born at Preston Hollow, September 30, 1842. He 



840 SHOET NOTICES. 

enlisted in the Eighteenth Regiment, Company C, September, 
1861, and died in the hospital at Hilton Head, North Carolina, 
Feb. 2d, 1862, and was buried there. 

James Webb, of AYesterlo, was born in the town of Fulton, 
New York, on the 10th day of June, 1842. His parents were 
Asahel and Caroline Webb. 

Desiring to do what he could for his country, he enlisted in 
Company K, One Hundred and Thirteenth New York Regiment, 
known as the Seventh Heavy Artillery, August 19, 1862. 

On the 15th of June, 1864, he wrote to his parents that he 
had been in five heavy battles, and while they raged, he was 
under fire every day. On the 16tli of June, he was taken 
prisoner before Petersburg, and carried to Andersonville prison. 
Up to this time he had been distinguished for his cheerfulness; 
his strict obedience to his superior oflicers, and his unflinching 
bravery upon the battle-field. But on entering this horrible 
prison, and ])eing subject to the cruelties of the incarjiate fiends 
who took delight in his starved condition, and his agonies, his 
health and spirits were both undermined. In the bitterness of 
his soul, he said to his companions in wretchedness, "I shall 
never see home again." 

He lingered through the sad days and weary nights, until, on 
the 15th of October, 1864, death came to his relief. Where his 
remains lie none of his friends know. He was probably buried 
with the other patriot martyrs, who were murdered in this 
prison. 

Levi Smith, son of Israel and Fanny Smith, was born at Pot- 
ter's Hollow, November 21, 1841. He enlisted in the Seventh 
Regiment, Company F, August 6, 1862. He was taken prisoner 
in the battle of Tolopotomy Creek, and died in Andersonville 
prison. 

Silas White, son of Daniel and Mary Ann White, was born 
at Preston Hollow, March 5, 1845. He enlisted in the Fifth 
Regiment, Company I, February 1, 1862, and died with the 
measles, at Baltimore, December 25, 1862. He is buried at 
Preston Hollow. 

William Shoness, son of Joshua and Abby Ten Eyck 
Shoness, was born in Westerlo, June, 1844. He enlisted in the 
Sixty-first Regiment, Company E. He died in the service of the 
United States, near Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

George Swartwout, son of Miner C. and Susanna Cornish 
Swartwout, was born in Rensselaerville, June 14, 1844. He 



SHORT NOTICES. 841 

enlisted in October, 1862, at Allmny. After going to the front, 
he lived three months and then was taken sick with typhoid 
fever. He died at Falmouth, Virginia, and was buried there. 

Alfred Lawpaugh, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K, 
Seventh Regiment, August 14, 1862. Died at Washington. 
His remains were brought to Westerlo and buried. 

Thomas Westley Barker, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company 
D, Sixty-first Regiment, September 1, 1862. Died in the service. 

Jesse Dennison enlisted October, 1862. While on his way 
home with his regiment, he died at Rochester, New York. 

John Rider enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, at 
Westerlo, August 14, 1862. He was in the battles before Peters- 
burg, June 16 and 22, and was taken prisoner, after being 
wounded at the last named battle, and taken to Richmond. He 
died from the effects of his wound. 

George C. Woolley, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K, 
Seventh Regiment, August 14, 1862. He was in all of the en- 
gagements of the Army of the Potomac, from May 15, 1864, 
until he was taken prisoner at Petersburg, June 16, 1864. He 
was confined at Andersonville prison, and died while there from 
the effects of starvation. 

David H. CRA^v^ORD, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K, 
Seventh Regiment, August 14, 1862. He was killed in battle, at 
North Anna River, May 27, 1864. 

Marcus D, Lockwood, of Westerlo, born in 1847, enlisted in 
Company K, Seventh Regiment. He was taken prisoner at the 
battle of Petersburg, June 17, 1864, and died a prisoner of war. 

John Wright, of Westerlo, enlisted in the Forty-third Regi- 
ment. After serving twenty-one months, he re-enlisted in the 
same regiment. He was wounded soon after, and died at Wash- 
ington. 

John Bo^^^E, enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, 
August 2, 1862. He was in all the engagements of the Army 
of the Potomac, from the crossing of the Rapidan to the battle 
of Petersburg, June 16, 1864. There he was taken prisoner, 
and confined in Andersonville prison, where he died from 
exposure and starvation. 



842 SHORT NOTICES. 

David B. Willsey, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K, 
Seventh Regiment, August 14, 1862, and was in all the battles 
of the Army of the Potomac, from May 16, 1864, till the 10th 
of June, 1864. He was taken prisoner near Petersburg. Died 
at Andersonville prison. 

James Holmes was born in Westerlo, February 6, 1827, and 
enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 4, 1862. He 
was in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from the 
crossing of the Rapidan to the assault of Petersburg, June 16, 
1864. He was then taken prisoner and carried to Andersonville, 
where he died from exposure and starvation. 

John B, Cr^^tt, of Westerlo, born in Coeymans, April 14, 
1845, enlisted in the Seventh Regiment May 5, 1862. After 
serving his term of enlistment, he again enlisted, for nine months, 
in the Tenth Militia Regiment, November, 1862, and again in the 
Seventh Heavy Artillery Regiment. He was taken prisoner 
June 16, 1864, and died at Millen prison, from exposure and 
starvation, November 2, 1864. 

Charles C. B.viver, of Company E, Ninety-first Regiment, died 
at New Orleans, aged thirty-five years. 

John H. Briggs, of Company C, Seventy- Seventh Regiment, 
wounded at the battle of Winchester, died at Taylor's hospital, 
aged twenty-one years. 

Samuel Burriskill, of Company C, Seventh Regiment, N. Y. 
S. V. died November 7, 1863, aged twenty-one years. 

Christopher G. Burns, after passing through the dangers of 
fourteen battles, died of consumption, aged twenty-four years. 

Charles Brice was killed at the battle of the Wilderness, 
Virginia, aged twenty-three years. 

WiLLiAJVi H. Barlow, Company E, Tenth Regiment, died at 
Bonnet Carre, La. 

John A. Christopher, aged eighteen, was killed in an engage- 
ment near Rappahannock station, Virginia. 

WiLLtAM F. Campion, killed at the battle of Autietam, was 
buried from the residence of liis father. He was a member of 
Company B, Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and was twenty- 
three years of age. 



SHORT NOTICES. 843 

Henry MoNTRA\^LLE was also killed in the aliove action and 
was buried in Albany, 22d January, 1865. 

John INIcDonald, of the Thirtieth Regiment, New York State 
Volunteers, was instantly killed in action on the 30th of August. 
He died as a true Albany boy, with his back to the field and his 
face to the foe, young, handsome and brave; all who knew him 
lamented his death. Hardly fifteen years of age in April, 1861, 
he marched with the Twenty-fifth to Washington, and upon its 
return enlisted in the D'Epineul Zouaves, and uncomplainingly 
shared their privations and mishaps in the voyage to Hatteras, 
and when disbanded joined the Thirtieth Regiment, in whose 
ranks he bravely battled and nobly died. 

Simeon H. Mann, of Co. G, One Hundred and Twenty-first 
Regiment, was killed in the charge in the battle of Spottsylvania 
Court House, while on the top of the enemy's breastworks. 

George Martin, after he had passed through all the battles 
of the Peninsula with Gen. McClellan's army, at last at the 
battle of Crampton Gap was shot through the heart, and leaves 
a wife and child, and a large circle of friends to mourn the loss. 

Thomas L. Hartness was a brave soldier and devoted Sab- 
bath School teacher, and died for his country. 

Charles A. HxVskell died at Bonnet Carre of typhoid fever, 
aged eighteen. 

Michael Harrigan died at Baton Rouge, aged eighteen ; 
member of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment. 

F. S. HuRD died at Port Hudson; son of the late J. N. M. 
HuRD. He was a member of Company A, One Hundred and 
Seventy-seventh Regiment. 

John B. Carter was killed at the battle of Winchester, Va., 
and was buried at Albany January 5, 1865. 

Thomas Edward Cary was instantly killed, and left a father 
and brother in the army. 

Charles B. Chapman died, aged twenty-seven. He was a 
printer, attached to the Ellsworth Regiment, He received a 
wound in the breast in one of the battles before Richmond. 



844 SHORT NOTICES. 

James De Lacey, whose affection, as the son of a widowed 
mother, was equal to his courage upon the battle field, fell at the 
slaughter at Antietam. 

Wm, T, O'Brien died at Newbern, N. C. He was a member 
of the Twenty-third New York battery. 

■ Abraham S. Thornton, of the Seventh Artillery, who died at 
Washington, was buried from the Hudson Street Baptist Church. 

Thomas Smith, Jr., Company B, Berdan's Sharpshooters, died 
at City Point Hospital, Virginia, aged twenty-one. He was 
wounded in a skirmish before Petersburg, on the sixteenth. 

Clarence H. Stephens, a brave boy of nineteen years, fell 
before the deadly tire of the rebel artillery. 

John Shaffer, a young man of superior worth, after braving 
many battles, died in 1863, and the last words upon his lips were, 
" My mother." 

Christopher Scheidler died, aged twenty-six. He was one 
of the first volunteers in the war, and served in the Virginia 
campaign in the Twenty-fifth Regiment. 



A.PPENDIX. 



BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE REGIMENTS THAT WERE RAISED IN THE 
COUNTY OF ALBANY. THEY ARE ARRANGED HERE, MAINLY IN THE 
ORDER IN WHICH THEY LEFT OUR CITY FOR THE SEAT OF WAR. 



TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. M. 

By Adjutant J. M. Kimball. 

Head Quaeters (N. G. S. N. Y.) 25x11 Regiment 

N. Y. S. M., ALB.mY, October 1, 1866. 
Rev. R. W. Clark, D. D.: 

Dear Sir — In accordance Avith your request, I send you an 
account of the Twenty-tifth Regiment N. Y. S. M. 

Having been Adjutant of that regiment for the last four years, 
and a member of it for more than twelve years, I have the means 
of giving you an accurate account of its services, in the late 
civil war. 

On or about the 19th day of April, 1861, Col. Michael K. 
Bryan, then commander of the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. 
M., (then a part of the uniformed militia of the State,) received 
orders from Gov. Morgan to hold his regiment in readiness to 
move at a moment's notice. 

On the evening of April 21, 1861, the order came from Gov. 
Morgan to move the next morning, at nine a. m., to Washington, 
D. C. The order was obeyed by the regiment wnth all possible 
alacrity, and on the morning of the 22d of April, 1861, the regi- 
ment, under command of Col. Bryan, proceeded by the Hudson 
River railroad to New York, and from that city took the steamer 
Parkersl)urgh for Annapolis, Md., wdiere they landed on the 
morning of the 26th of April, and the Colonel reported to Gen. 
Butler, who was then in command of that post. On the mor- 
ning of the 29th, the regiment arrived in Washington, D. C, the 
fifth regiment that reached there in defence of the Capital, at that 
critical hour of our Nation's histoiy. 

Upon arriving in Washington, the regiment w^as quartered in 
a large building, near the Capitol. There it was drilled by the 
Colonel, assisted by United States ofiicers of the regular army, 
for several hours in the forenoon and afternoon, until it became 



846 APPENDIX. 

one of the best tlrilled militia reoriments in Washington. The 
commander of the regiment reported, on the arrival in Washing- 
ton, directly to Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott, who ordered the 
Colonel to report with his command to Brig. Gen. Mansfield. 
The regiment remained under Gen. Mansfield's orders till the 
23d of May, 1861, when the command came to cross that night, 
at two A. M., the Loner Bridge from Washington to Virginia. This 
regiment was the second that reached the Virginia side, the 
Twelfth, Col. Butterfield's, being the first. 

The Twelfth New York Militia, Col. Butterfield, upon cross- 
ing over the bridge, turned off to the left hand, and Col. Bryan 
moved on with his command to Arlington Heights, where Fort 
Albany now stands. The regiment, after taking two of the rebel 
pickets, with their horses and equipments, prisoners, (which I 
think were the first prisoners taken in Virginia after the com- 
mencement of the war,) encamped at four a. m. on the 24th of 
May, 1861. Soon after they commenced the erection of Fort 
Albany, which was mostly Iniilt h}- the labor of this command; 
besides, some tAventy acres of timber and wood were cut down 
by them for military purposes. The fort was named Fort Albany, 
in honor of the city from which the regiment came, by the men 
to whom it was left by the military authorities at Washington, 
at Col. Bryan's suggestion. 

At the battle of Bull Run, the regiment was left in charge of 
the fort they had Iniilt, and which was one of the barriers that, 
after the disaster of Bull Run, on the 21st of July, 1861, saved 
the Capital from the advance of the rebels, as appears by the 
reports of the Generals of the enemy. 

After the l)attle and defeat of the 21st, under McDowell, on 
the night of that day, Col. Bry^vn was placed in command of the 
fort, and several other regiments and batteries, to make a stand 
in case the rel^els advanced or pursued our flying columns from 
that unfortunate field of battle. This certainly showed the con- 
fidence of the Government in Col. Bryan and his men. But the 
enemy did not advance. They feared the strength of Fort Albany, 
and the other works erected beyond the Potomac. 

Had it not been for these forts, erected on the south side of 
the Potomac by Gen. Runyon's Brigade of New Jersey men, and 
by the Twenty-fifth and Sixty-ninth Regiments New York, under 
Col. Bryan and Col. Corcor^vn, the city of Washington would 
doubtless have been taken by the rebels after the first Bull Run 
battle. The Twenty-fifth Regiment bestowed an immense amount 
of labor on these forts, and the importance of that service ap- 
peared very clearly at that time. 

This regiment was ever ready to ohey every order, and faith- 
fully performed every duty required of it by the Government. It 



APPENDIX. 847 

justly received the thanks of its superior officers. They were 
not mustered into the service till the 4th of May, 1861, at Wash- 
ington, and their term of service was three months from that 
time. 

With the loss of three men by sickness, who died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, the regiment returned to Albany by railroad on the 
1st of August, numbering live hundred and seventy-live men and 
officers, and were mustered out at Albany on the 4th of August, 
18G1. 

The regiment was commanded by Michael K. Bryax as 
Colonel. James Swift was Lieutenant Colonel, and David Fkeed- 
LANDER, Major. Company A, Avas commanded by Captain Jacob 
Fredendall; Company B, by Captain Timothy McDermott; 
Company C, was commanded by Captain John Gray; Company 
D, was commanded by Captain Frank Marshall; Com})any E, 
by Captain J. J. Huber; Companj- G, was commanded by Capt. 
Henry MuLiiOLLiVND; Company H, l)y Captain Godefrey; Com- 
pany L, by Captain Frederick Newdorf; Company R, by Capt. 
Hale Kingsley. 

The regiment was again, on the 31st of May, 1862, mustered 
into the United States service at All)any, N. Y., l)y order of the 
Government for three months, and on this occasion was ordered 
to Sutfolk, Virginia, where they remained till the 1st day of 
September, 1862. Then the}^ took passage, at Norfolk, on the 
2d of September, on the steamer Baltic, for New York, where 
they arrived after a stormy passage, on the 6th of September. 
Dui'ing this cam[)aign the regiment was encamped at Suftblk, 
Virginia, where they were in the brigade of General Max Weber, 
commanding, which was composed of the Third New York Vol- 
unteers; the Fourth New York Volunteers; the Thirteenth New 
York Militia, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment, New York Militia. 

The regiment attained great proficiency in drill while at Suf- 
folk, and nine days after this regiment was mustered out of ser- 
vice, the brigade of General Weber was ordered into the battle 
of Antietam, where he was wounded, and General Mansfield 
who was the commander of tlie post at Suffolk, was killed. 

The reo-iment returned with five hundred men, havins: lost but 
one man, who was accidentally drowned. Though they fought 
no battles, they were ever ready to do so if required, while in 
the field; and hundreds of the officers and men that first served 
in the late civil war, in the Twenty-fifth Regiment, after it re- 
turned to Albany and was mustered out, joined with their Colonel, 
Michael K. Bryan, other regiments of volunteers, and fought 
many battles. Many of them laid down their lives in the field, 
among whom was Colonel Bryan, who fell at the head of his 



§48 



APPENDIX. 



regiment at Port Hudson. Others who have nobly served 
through the war, have returned, and now reside with us. 

During its term of service in 1862, at Suffolk, Colonel Bryan 
commanded. JajMes Swift was Lieutenant Colonel, and David 
Friedlander Major. Company A, was commanded hy Jacob 
Fredandoll; Company B, by Timothy McDer3iott; Company 
C, by Captain John Gray; Company F, by Captain Michael 
Kennally; Company G, by James M. Carlin, and Company K, 
by Captain Hale Kingsley. 

Permit me to say all did their duty; and if ever the country 
shall again need the services of her sons, the Twenty-fffth Regi- 
ment which is now in a most efficient condition in regard to drill, 
discipline and numbers, under its present able and zealous 
officers, most of whom have faced the foe in the fight, will be 
among the first to rally round the flag, and to defend the Ameri- 
can Republic against every foe. 

Respectfully yours, 

J. M. KIMBALL, 
AdjL 25th Regt. N. Y. S. iV. G. 



* THIRD REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. Y. S. V. 

The Third Regiment Infantry, N. Y. S. V., or "First Albany 
Regiment," was organized at Albany. It was composed of com- 
panies recruited and accepted as follows, viz: 



Co. 


Where recruited. 


By whom recruited. 


Date of acceptance. 


A 


Williamsburgh, L. I. .. 

Ncwburgh, N. Y 

Albany, N. Y 




Orderl3, April 20, 1801. 
Order 16, April 20, 1861. 
Order 14, April 20, 1861. 
Order 69, April 21, 1861. 
Order 41, April 20, 1861. 
Order 98, April 22, 1861. 
Order 148, April 23,1861. 
Order 158,April 24,1861. 
Orderl79,April27,1861. 
Order 232,April 25,1861. 


B . 

r 


Capt. S. W. FuUerton, jr 

Capt. Elbridge G. Floyd 

Capt. John G. Butler 


i> 




E . 
F . 
G . 
H 


Albany, N. Y 

do 

do 
Owego, N. Y 


Capt. Justus W. Blanchard.. . . 

Capt. Henry S. Hulbert 

Capt. J. H. Ten Eyek, jr 


I.. 
K 


Albany, N. Y .. 


Capt. Edward S. Jenny 

Capt. John E. Mulford 







On the 24th of April, Captains Smith, Fullerton, Floyd, 
Blanchard, Hulbert, Ten Eyck and Butler were directed to 
meet and elect field officers, and, on the 25th, the election of 
Frederick Townsend as Colonel, and S.uiuel M. Alford as 
Lieutenant Colonel, was confirmed. These proceedings, however, 



• For this and most of the other histories of the regiments, we are indebted to the 
reports of Col. Doty, Chief of the Bureau of Military Record. 



APPENDIX. 849 

were set aside. At a meeting of the State ]\rilitaiT Board, held 
May Ttli, it Avas, on motion of the Treasurer, '■'Resolved^ That the 
ten eompanies, commanded by the following Captains, to wit: 
8. W. FuLLERTON, Jr., AiiEL Hmith, Jr., E. G. Floyd, John G. 
Butler, Justus W. Bi-anchard, Henry S. IluLnEiiT, Isaac S. 
Catlin, Jaco]$ II. Ten Eyck, Jr., E. 8. Jenny and John E. Mul- 
FORD, be and they are hereby accepted and organized into a regi- 
ment, to be designated as regiment No. 3, and that the officers 
of said companies be authorized to hold an election to elect the 
tield officers for said regiment." Under this resolution the elec- 
tion was held b}- Brig. Gen. Ratiibone, on the 8th, at which 
Frederick Townsexd was elected Colonel, 8. M. Alford, Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, and George D. Bayaud, Major. The 8tate Board 
confirmed the selections made, with date from the 8th. On the 
14th of May the regiment was mustered into the service of the 
United States by Capt. Frank Wiieaton, U. 8. A., and on tlie 
KJth (Special Orders Xo. 192) Col. Toavnsend was directed "to 
proceed with his regiment to New York, May 18, and report for 
duty to Gen. Dix. Arms and equipments to be issued upon their 
arrival at New York." 

The regiment left Albany for New York on the 18th May, and 
arrived in that city on the 19th, and took quarters in the Park 
barracks. It was armed with seven hundred and twenty mus- 
kets, pattern of 1842, caliber sixty-nine (May 27), which were 
changed (IMay 29) for Enlield rifles, caliber fifty-seven. Equip- 
ments were also furnished, and (May 28-30) one hundred com- 
mon and twenty-four wall tents issued to it by the State. On 
the 31st of May it left New York for Fortress Monroe. The 
expenditures by the State in behalf of the regiment up to August 
15th, exclusive of subsistence and quarters, was fifty-five thousand 
six hundred and twenty-four dollars and eighty -one cents. 

The regiment reached Fortress Monroe on the 3d of June. On 
the 9th it was ordered to move in support of the Fifth Regiment, 
in an attack on Little Bethel. The First, Second and Seventh 
Regiments were also ordered to join in this movement. While 
the Third was en route it passed in the vicinity of the Seventh, 
and the latter, mistaking it for a force of the enemy, opened 
with artillery and musketry upon Col. Townsend's column. The 
fire was irregularly returned by the Third, and fearing that it 
had fallen into an ambuscade, it immediately retreated to an emi- 
nence near by. The true state of facts having been ascertained, 
the regiments effected a junction, and resumed the line of march. 
Little Bethel was found to have been evacuated by the enemy, 
and the connnand moved forward to Big Bethel, where, after a 
short engagement, a retreat was ordered. In this movcinent the 
Third lost two men killed and twenty-seven wounded. 

54 



850 APPENDIX. 

The reii'imcnt returned to Fortress Monroe, and from thence 
(July 30th) to Biiltiniore, where it remained in camp, at Fort 
McHenry, until April 1st, 1862, when it was sent to Fort Federal 
Hill. From Federal Hill it was transferred to Suffolk, Va., where 
it remained until September 12th. It then returned to Fortress 
Monroe, where it performed guard duty until the expiration of 
its term of service. 

On leaving the service it received the following complimen- 
tary order: 

Headquarters, Department of Virginia, "j 

7th Army Corps, Fortress Monroe, Va., \ 

May 12 1863. J 

To the TJdrd New Yorh Volunteers {Infantry): 

The Major General commanding cannot withhold the expres- 
sion of his deep regret that the term of service, for which a 
large nnmber of the men of the Third New York Volunteers 
enlisted is about to expire, and that he is compelled to part with 
them. 

In discipline, good conduct, and a faithful discharge of their 
duties, under all circumstances in which they have been placed, 
he ventures to say that they are not surpassed by any other 
regiment in the service. 

Through the care, vigilance and fidelity of their officers and 
their able commander, and through their own just sense of all 
their obligations, under the military laws by which they have 
been governed, they have earned a most enviable reputation. 

To those who have re-entered the service, with an unshaken 
determination to uphold the cause of their country against its 
faithless enemies, he tenders his sincere thanks; and if those who 
are about to return to their families and friends for a while, 
should rejoin their comrades whom they leave behind, they will 
receive as warm a welcome as that which awaits them at home. 

JOHN A. DIX, 
Major-Gen eral Commanding. 

Official: Wilson Barstow, Aid-de-Camp. 

The regiment took the field with seven hundred and ninety-six 
officers and men. During its period of service it received one 
hundred and sixty-two recruits, who, with about two hundred 
re-enlisted men, and the re-enlisted men and recruits of the 
Ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, who were consolidated 
with it, remained in the field and continued its organization 
under Col. Alford, Avho had been promoted to the command of 
the regunent, on the resignation of Col. Townsend (July 2d, 
1861). It commenced its service, as a veteran conmiaud, with 



APPENDIX. 851 

al)oiit eight hundred men, and subsequently received seven 
lumdred conscripts and about tAvo hundred recruits, as well as a 
numl)er of men by the consolidation with it of the One Hundred 
and Twelfth New York Volunteers. 

The re-oro-anized reifinient was sent to Folly Island, where it 
participated in the sie.i(^ of Fort Wa£:;ner and Charleston. In 
April, 18G4, it visited Gloucester Point and West Point, and 
made a reconnoissance to Avithin a few miles of King William 
Court House. It then moved up the James Eiver, under Gen. 
BuTLEii, as a part of the First Brigade (Col. 8. M. Alford), 
Second Division (Brig. Gen. J. H. Tuener), Tenth Corps (^faj. 
Gen. Q. A. Gilmore.) It was actively engaged and sutiered 
severely in the advance made by Gen. Butler, May 12th, 14th 
and IGth, and lost fifty wounded, five killed and seven missing, 
out of about two hundred and eighty-five engaged. About the 
olst of May it was temporarily assigned to the Third Brigade, 
Third Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, and moved to Coal 
Harbor, where it remained until the 12th of elune, when it 
returned to Bermuda Hundred. On the 15th it started for 
Petersliurg, and reached a point within about two miles of the 
city, where it encountered the enemy, charged his works, cap- 
tured two hundred and fifty men of Wise's Brigade, the battle- 
flag of the Twenty-sixth Virginia, and some nine or ten pieces 
of artillery. It fell back on the 12th and resumed its old posi- 
tion in the Tenth Corps. It was subsequently in action at 
Bermuda Hundred, in front of Petersburg, Petersburg Mine, 
Fort Gilmer, Chapin's Farm, Darbytown Road, first and second 
Fort Fisher, and Wilmington, N. C. At Fort Fisher, the State 
color which it carried was the first Regimental color which was 
hoisted on the enemy's works. It was mustered out of service 
in August, 1865. 



FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

The Forty-third Regiment was recruited in the counties of 
Albany, Washington and Otsego, and in New York city. It left 
Albany September 16, 1861, under command of Colonel (after- 
wards Brigadier General) FRiVNCis L. Vinton. Arrived in the 
field September 21, 1861, and from that time until it was 
mustered out, was constantly in the face of the enemy. 

It went out with seven hundred and six men, and, with the 
recruits which it subsequently received, (including five companies 
which were recruited for it at the close of the Peninsula cam- 
paign in 1862) had a roll of two thousand three hundred and 
twenty-seven. It returned with two hundred and ninety men 



852 APPENDIX. 

and thirteen officers. It was first assigned to General Hancock's 
Brigade, in which it served until February, lS(Vd, when it was 
selected as one of five regiments, distinguished for dash and 
courage, to form a Light Division of the 8ixth Arm}' Corps. It 
served in this division at Marye's Heights, Salem Church and 
Banks' Ford, and was the first regiment that planted its colors 
on the enemy's works on Marye's Heights. 

After the Chancel lorsville campaign, the Light Division was 
discontinued, and the reii'iment was assiirned to the Third Brio-- 

... . ... ^ 

ade, Second Division, Sixth Corps, in which it subsequently 
served. It was mustered out June 27, 1865, with the following 
l)attles, actions and sieges inscribed on its banners: Lee's Mills, 
April 29, 1862; Warwick Creek, April 30, 1862; Siege of York- 
town, 1862; Golding's Farm, June 27, 1862; Seven Day's Bat- 
tles, 1862; Antietam, SeptendK'r 17, 18()2; Frederickslnirg, 
December 12, 13, 14, 1862; Marye's Heights, May 3, 1863; 
Salem Church, May 3, 4, 1863; Banks' Ford,"May 4, 1863; Fred- 
ericksburg, June 5, 1863; Gettysburg, July 2, 3, 1863; Eappa- 
hannock Station, Noveml)er 7, 1863; Locu-t Grove, November 

27, 1863; Mine Eun, November 29, 1863; Wilderness, May 5, 
6, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 10, 12, 18, 1864; North Anna, May 
23, 1864; Coal Harl)or, June 1, 2, 3, 1864; Petersburg, June 18, 

28, 1864; Fort Stevens, District of Columbia, July 12, 1864; 
Oharlestown, August 21, 1864; Opequan, September 19, 1864; 
Fisher's Hill, September 22, 1864; Cedar Creek. October 19, 
1864; Petersburg, March 25, 1865; Petersburg, April 2, 1865; 
Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865; Surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. 



TENTH, OE ONE HUNDEED AND SEVENTY-SEVENTH 
EEGIMENT N. Y. S. V. 

The Tenth Eegiment National Guards, was organized at Albany, 
under Colonel Iea W. Ainsworth, soon after the l)reaking out 
of the rebellion, and performed guard duty and other services, 
in aid of the General Government. By order of Gov. Moegan, 
under a special order of the War Department, accepting volun- 
teers for nine months, it tendered its services, for the third time, 
to Gov. Mokgan. In September, 1862, it was accepted, and 
assigned to General Banks, under the name of the One Hundred 
and Seventy-seventh Volunteers, and sailed for the expedition 
in December, for the Department of the Gulf, 

On its arrival at New Orleans it Mas attached to the Third 
Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Corps, and served in hold- 
ing the defences of New Orleans untjl March, when the cam- 



APPENDIX. 853 

paign of Louisiana was commenced. It served with the brigade 
in two campaigns on the Amite river, each time being sharply 
engaged l)y the enemy, and h:)st its first man in action. It then 
participated in the cam[)aigns from New Orleans to Port Hudson, 
and arrived in front of the enemy's works on the 2od of Ma}'. 
On the 25th, General Banks, wishing to ascertain the position of 
the enemy, and to open comnnmication with the fleet, ordered 
the regiment to cut its way through to the river. This service 
was gallantly performed under a heavy fire from the enemy's 
main works. The regiment approached so near to the fortifica- 
tions, that the guns over-ranged, thus saving the regiment from 
great loss in killed and wounded. The first blood at Port Hud- 
son was drawn from the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh, on 
this reconnoissance. 

The regiment was actively engaged during the entire siege of 
Port Hudson, taking part in the" ))attles of "IVIay 27th and 29th, 
and suffered severel}-. Ou the fall of Port Hudson, the time of 
the regiment having expired, it returned home by way of the 
Missis.sippi river, the route originally promised by General 
Banks to the troops of his expedition. After being mustered 
out of the United States service, it resumed its original position 
in the Ninth Brigade National Guard. 



FORTY-FOURTH, OR, PEOPLE'S REGIMENT. 

This was a Zouave regiment, and was organized and numbered 
the Forty-fourth, October 16th, 1861. 

It was started with an earnest appeal to the people of our 
State, commencing in the following language: 

" To the People of the State of New York: 

The recent assassination of the gallant and lamented Ells- 
worth, and the barbarous manner iu which the rebels have thus 
far conducted their hostilities against the Government, has fired 
anew the zeal of our young men, until all are chafing with impa- 
tience to meet the foe. 

The quota of New York troops called for by the President is 
already organized; and, if they were not, too much time would 
be consumed in oi-ganizing under existing laws. 

Under these circumstances, it has been deemed advisable to 
raise a regiment from among the people of this State, each 
town and ward to be represented I)y furnishing one man, to be 
at once armed and equipped by voluntary subscription, and ten- 
dered to the General Government, to serve during the war, as the 
avengers of the noble blood spilt on the soil of Virginia on the 
24th' inst.' 



854 APPENDIX. 

This regiment, having been completed and drilled, made a 
parade, October 13, 18H1. It Avas witnessed by an immense con- 
course of our people. The regiment made a splendid appear- 
ance, and went through the manual and various evolutions in a 
very creditable manner. The loading and tiring, especially, by 
companies, platoons, and by the entire line, was admirably done, 
and elicited great applause. At the close of the parade a newly 
invented battery was brought on the held — truly aterril)le instru- 
ment of destruction. It consists of tive guns, and will discharge 
sixty balls a minute. 

On the 16th of October, Lieut. Col. Rice, of the Ellsworth, 
or Forty-fourth, Regiment, received a beautiful sword, and some 
other articles, at the house of A. McClure, Esq. The present- 
ation was gracefully made by Mrs. Emily Barnes. 

On the 20th of the same month the regiment left for the seat 
of war. When the centre of the regiment was opposite the 
house of Hon. Erastus Corning, the line was halted to receive 
the regimental banner from the hands of Mrs. Corning. It was 
very elegant, and when put into the hands of the standard 
bearer, it was received with enthusiastic cheers by the regiment. 
The ceremony was deeply interesting. 

As this nol:)le body of patriots left our city, they carried with 
them the best wishes of tens of thousands, and how fully they 
met the public expectations appears in the sketches of many of 
them, who offered up their lives upon the altar of their country. 

It was mustered into service September 24, 1861, and served 
in the following engagements, viz: Siege of Yorktown, Hano- 
ver Court House, G;dnes' Mills, Turkey Island Bend, Malvern 
Hill, Second Bull Run or Groveton, Antietam, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Aldie. Gettysburg, Jones' Cross Roads, Rappa- 
hannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court 
House, North Aima, Bethesda Church and through the series of 
battles and skirmishes before Petersburo; and on the Weldon 
railroad, up to September 24, 1864. 

The heroic Gen. Rice, who was killed in the battle of the 
Wilderness, went out as Lieutenant Colonel of this regiment, 
and Gen. Chapin, who was killed at Port Hudson, was its origi- 
nal senior Captain. 

The following account of the return of this regiment is taken 
from the "Albany Express," Septeml)er 28, 1864: 

•' Our streets were unusually lively yesterday afternoon, the 
citizens turning out in large numbers to witness the return of the 
veterans of the Forty-fourth Regiment. The welcome extended 
to them was as warm and generous as it was merited. It will be 
remembered that but a few months after the commencement of 
hostilities, a numl)er of our most pronn"nent citizens resolved to 



APPENDIX. on 5 

unite their means and efforts to raise a reijiment that would, in 
every respect, be a model organization. The original plan was 
to accept a man from each town in the State, but unforeseen diffi- 
culties arose under this plan, and it Avas abandoned; and although 
many parts of the State were represented in it, our own city aad 
county furnished a larger number than any other locality. The 
Kegiment was made up of picked men — men selected not only 
with a view to their own physical advantages, but also with 
regard to their moral worth; and we feel justitied in saying, that 
in these respects, no liner regiment ever entered the army than 
was the Forty-fourth, when it left All)any nearly three years ago, 
(October 21, 18G1). They numbered ten hundred and sixty strong. 

" Since then it has participated in twelve general engagements, 
and in as many more skirmishes, and always with distinguished 
bravery. But the fortunes of war told fearfully upon its ranks. 
Brig. Gen. Rice and many others of the gentlemen who went out 
in its list of officers, gave up their lives for the cause in which 
they so cheerfully volunteered, lighting valiantly where the 
hardest and bravest blows Avere to be struck, and dying Avith 
their faces to the foe. 

" During its service, upAvards of seven hundred recruits joined 
its ranks, and noAv, Avhen one hundred and seventy return to their 
homes, there are left in the field but three hundred. As an evi- 
dence of the material of which it Avas (originally com})osed, Ave 
may state, that al)out one hundred and fifty of the rank and file 
have lieen promoted into other regiments. The veterans of this 
regiment, Avho are returning home, number one hundred and 
seventy men and fourteen officers. 

" On their arrival here, about four o'clock in the afternoon, 
they Avere received l)y the Mayor, Common Council and the Citi- 
zen's Connnittee, and under the escort of the Twenty-second 
Veteran Corps (a neat and fine looking body of men), and the 
Sixteenth Massachusetts Battery, they marched througTi a num- 
ber of principal streets, exciting feelings of the AA^armest admira- 
tion among the thousands of citizens Avho crowded the Avalk. 
Passing up State street, tht>y paid Mrs. Erastus Corning, Sr., 
the compliments of a marching salute. When, three years ago, 
the regiment started for the seat of war, it was presented with 
an elegant flao- by Mrs. Corning. This flasf, haviu"; been Avorn 
out, Avas returned to the donor, and a ncAV one given in exchange, 
about the 1st of January, 1863. 

"Arrived at the Capitol, Gov. Seymour AA^as introduced by 
Col. Conner to the men, who greeted his Excellency Avith a round 
of hearty cheers. Gov. Sp:ymoi:r addressed them briefly, allud- 
ing in feeling and eloquent terms to their ])rave departed com- 
rades, and tenderiug to his hearers, on behalf of the State, as 



856 APPENDIX, 

well as for the city of Alliany, the most earnest thanks. He 
spoke of their services and sacrifices, and assured them that their 
deeds of patriotism and heroism would ever be the theme of 
praise on the lips of their fellow citizens. The regiment then 
marched from the Capitol to Congress Hall, Avhere, as the guests 
of the city, they partook of a substantial collation, after which 
they were surrounded ))y many old friends, with whom they 
passed a happy evening. 



NINETY-FIRST REGIMENT N. Y. S. V. 

The Ninet^'-first Regiment left Albany on the 20th of Decem- 
ber, 1861, on the transport " Knickerbocker." They arrived at 
Governor's Island the next morning, where they encamped. The 
regiment remained there until the 8th ot January following, 
during which time they experienced considerable hardship, as 
the weather was very cold, and very few of the men had been 
used to such a life. 

On the 8th of January, 1862, the}" ^vere taken on board the 
steamer "Ericsson," and on the morning of the 9th sailed for 
Key West, Florida. The " Ericsson" was a large vessel, ]mt not 
a very fast one, and she did not reach Key West until the 19th. 
On the 20th the regiment disembarked, and encamped on the 
southern part of the Island. 

During their stay at this place, the men were employed in 
making military roads, and much time A\as devoted to drilling. 
The Island was under the command of Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan. 
On the 20th of May, 1862, the regiment embarked on the steamer 
"Philadelphia " for Pensacola. That place had been evacuated 
by the rebels a short time before, and troops were needed to 
garrison it, and the Ninety-tirst was selected for that purpose. 

Upon arrriving at Pensacola, the regiment was assigned to 
quarters in the houses of the place, which had been deserted by 
their owners. The men were kept busy for some time in assist- 
ing in the building of a redoubt and other earthworks. While 
stationed at this place, the regiment had a very pleasant time. 
Their quarters were good, the climate was fine, and there was 
an abundance of good water. The regiment was stationed here 
s(!ven months, during which time the place was never attacked 
l)y the enemy in force, although the pickets were occasionally 
visited by the rebel cavalry; and at one time ten men of the 
Ninety-first, on the advance guard, were captured. When the 
regiment reached Pensacola, and for some time after, the place 
was under command of Gen. Arnold. He was relieved by Gen, 



APPENDIX. 857 

Neal Dow, While Gen. Dow hud commaiKl. a number of expe- 
ditions were sent into the surrounding country to capture, not 
rebels, of whom there were a few in the vicinity, but furniture. 
Once, however, on the 27th of October, 18()2, several companies 
of the Ninetj'-first marched some distance into the country, and 
at night surprised a detachment of rebel cavalry. A short 
engagement ensued, and six rebels Avere killed and seven taken 
prisoners, and fifteen horses were captured. 

In December, 18(i2, Gen. Banks' expedition reached New 
Orleans, and shortly after its arrival, orders were issued for the 
Ninety-first to proceed to that place. The regiment left Pensa- 
cola ill transports on the 24th and 25th of that month, and upon 
arriving at New Orleans, were at once ordered to Baton Rouge, 
Avhere a large force was being concentrated for an attack on Port 
Hudson. At this time the regiment was in splendid condition. 
The men were well clothed and ecpiipped, and were well drilled, 
and under good discipline, and it formed one of the best regi- 
ments in the Nineteenth Corps. 

In the latter part of March, 1863, it assisted in the feint that 
was made by Gen. Banks on the rear of Port Hudson, while 
Fakragut ran his ships past the place. After this it Avas taken 
to Donaldsonville, and from there marched to Brashear city. 
Prom here the Third Division of the Corps, under Gen. Groveb, 
to Avhich the Ninety- first was attached, Avere taken up the Atcha- 
falaya in ti'ansports, and on the loth of April Avere landed. That 
day there Avas some skirmishing Avith the enemy, and on the 14th 
the battle of Irish Bend Avas fought, the first severe engagement 
that Avas participated in by the Ninety-first. The regiment did 
good service on that day, and met Avith but comparatively a 
small loss. Two men Avere killed, and some eight or ten Avounded. 
Sergt. Clark, of Company A, Avas killed on that day, and Avas 
the first man of the regiment Avho AA\as killed in ])attle. Imme- 
diately after this battle, the enemy were pursued up the Teche 
country by the Avhole Nineteenth Corps. At Bayou Vermillion, 
the regiment participated in a little engagement, and had several 
men wounded, but none killed. After this it accompani(>d the 
corps to the Red riA^er, reaching Alexandria on the 7th of Ma}^ 
Avhich place Avas taken Avithout any fighting. The troops remained 
in the vicinity of Alexandria until the latter part of May, when 
they AA^ere taken by Avater to Bayou Sara, al)()ve Port Hudson, 
and on the 24th that stronghold was completely surrounded. 
On the 25th the brigade, to Avhich the Ninety-first Avas attached, 
made a forAvard movement, and had a spirited engagement, in 
which seven of the regiment Avere killed. 

On the 27th a general advance AA%as made, and the rebels were 
driven to their inner works. That day the Ninety-first suffered 



858 APPENDIX. 

severely. About ^ixty were killed or wounded. Major Stack- 
house was wounded, and died from the eflects of his wound. 
Captains John Cooke and J. G. McDermott were also wounded. 
The former lost the use of his arm for life. After this no general 
movement was made until the 14th of June, a day which Avill 
always be rememl)ered hy the Nineteenth Corps. It was a day 
of desperate lighting, by which nothing of value was secured. 
On that day the regiment had about twenty killed, and over sixty 
wounded. Among the former were Capt. Henry Hulbert and 
Adjt. Sylvester Shepard; among the latter were Capt. William 
Lee, and Lieuts. Herwerth, Mathias, Stackhouse and Diamond. 

It would require pages to describe the scenes of that day — the 
most remarkable clay for the regiment of its entire service. 
When the regiment left Ncav York it was about eight hundred 
strong. On the loth of June, 18(3o, there were but tAvo hundred 
and twenty men tit for duty. Immediately after the surrender 
of Port Hudson, the regiment went with part of the corps to 
Donaldsonville, where there was a slight engagement on the 13th 
of Jul3% in which six of the regiment were wounded. After this 
the rei>inient was stationed in the vicinity of New Orleans until 
the latter part of August, when it was ordered to Brashear city. 
Until about this time, the regiment had been commanded by 
Col. Jacob Van Zandt. Under him it had done some hard iight- 
inir, and gained a reputation for endurance, bravery and good 
discipline, second to none in the Department of the Gulf. From 
the time tlie regiment went to Brashear until it was tinally nuis- 
tered out, it Avas commanded by Col. Jonathan Tarbell. It 
remained at Brashear six months, doing garrison duty, during 
which time little of importance transpired. In January, 18(i4, 
nearly all the men re-enlisted for three years more. 

In the latter part of February the regiment was removed to 
Fort Jackson, for the purpose of ])eing paid and mustered .on 
their re-enlistment, and expecting to proceed from there, in a 
short time, to the north, on a furlough. For some reason they 
were detained there over four months. Previous to this, there 
had never been much sickness among the men, but the unhealthy 
situation of the fort had its effect upon them, and before they 
left, there were not sufficient well men to do the ordinary guard 
duty; and when the regiment started for the north, on the 9th 
of July, there was scarcely a strong, avcU man in it. Nearly 
every one had suffered from the fever and ague. 

The regiment came home by the way of the Mississippi, and 
arrived at All)any on the evening of the 19th of July, receiving 
an enthusiastic welcome. At the expiration of the thiily days 
furlough it Avas ordered to Baltimore, Avhere it remained, doing 
duty in and around that city, for about six mouths. Here it 



APPENDIX. 859 

received large additions to its numbers of recruits from the north, 
and became over sixteen hundred strong. 

lu the hitter part of February, 1865, the regiment was ordered 
to join the Army of the Potomac before Petersburg, and upon 
its arrival at City Point, was assigned to the First Biigadc, Third 
Division of the Fifth Army Corps. 

The regiment participated in the glorious campaign which 
resulted in the fall of liichmond, and the surrender of Lee's 
army. It was in the battles of AVhite Oak Pidge and Five Forivs, 
and other minor engagements. During this short and decisive 
campaign, between forty and tifty of the regiment were either 
killed or died of wounds received in action; and over one hun- 
dred and seventy were wounded. Among the wounded were 
Capts. George W. Hobbs and Andreav Dodds, and Lieuts. Dax- 
FOKTH, Chapman and Murphy. 

The regiment marched to Washington with the rest of the 
troops, and was at the orand review in that city on the 23d of 

Shortly alter this the one year men, l)elongingto the regiment, 
were sent home and mustered out; and about the middle of July 
the remainder of the regiment returned to Albany, and were dis- 
charged from the service. 

To the survivors of this noble and heroic regiment, who are 
now residing Avitli us, we tender the warm thanks of the citizens 
of Albany, and the lasting gratitude and admiration of the Ameri- 
can people. 



ELEVENTH NE\Y YORK HAVELOCK BATTERY. 

From Capt. John E. Burton. 

The formation of the Eleventh N. Y. Battery commenced as 
early as the 10th of September, 1861, by a call, dated at the 
rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, Albany, and 
signed by James Rodgers and Henry D. Brower. An organi- 
zation was not effected, however, until the 20th of Octol^er, 1861, 
when the Rev. A. A. Von Puttkammer was elected Captain. 

The Battery had its full complement of officers and men, and 
was mustered into the service of the United States on the 6th of 
January, 1862. 

The folloMing are the names of the officers at that time: A. A. 
\'oN Puttkammer, Captain; R. C. Warmington, First Lieutenant; 
James Rodgers, First Lieutenant; G. A. Knapp, Second Lieu- 
tenant; John E. Burton, Second Lieutenant. 

The numl)er of enlisted men then on the rolls, was one hun- 
tlied and fiftj^-eight. 



860 APPENDIX. 

In the fall of 1861, the Battery was presented with a beantifiil 
banner, having on it an excellent portrait of General Havelock, 
after whom the Battery was named. The gift was from the 
ladies of Albany. 

The Havelocks left Albany on the 17th of January, 1862, and 
arrived at Fort Ellsworth, Va., on the 2oth; which place it gar- 
risoned until the oOth of July, 1862, Avhen it took the held, and 
Avss engaged in the following battles: 

Second Bull Hun, Aug, 26 and 27, 1862; rredericksl)urg, Dec. 
13, 1862; Chancellorsv'ille, May 2 and o, I860,; Gettysburg, July 
1, 2 and 3, 1863; Mine Run, Nov. 30, 1863; Spottsylvania C. H., 
May 14, 1864; North Anna River, May 24, 1864; Tolopotomy 
Creek, May 30, 1864; Coal Harbor, June 3d to 12th, 1864; 
Peterslnirg, June 16th to 25th, 1864; Deep Bottom, Aug. 14, 
18()4. 

The Battery was also engaged nearly every day, in the works 
before Petersburg, from September, 1864, until the fall of Rich- 
mond, and then, with a part of the Army of the Potomac, pur- 
sued Lee's army, and was in at tJie death. 

At the ))attle of Chancellorsville, the Battery assisted in repuls- 
ino; the enemy, who were following a retreating brigade of the 
Eleventh Corps. 

At Gettysburg, on the third day, it reinforced a part of the 
line, at a time when it was wavering, and some of our men had 
already thrown down their arms. But they fought with new 
vio;or, on seeing a fresh reinforcement. And in all of Grant's 
canipaign, in 1864 and 1865 — those long, fatiguing marches; 
those hard and tedious diggings, and those tierce and bloody 
battles — the Eleventh New York Battery was always foremost, 
and was always relied on. 

The Battery reached Albany June 3, 1865, and was mustered 
out June 15, 1865. 

The names of the officers at that time, were: Geo. W. Davey, 
Captain; G. N. P. Gale, First Lieutenant; J. A. Manning, First 
Lieutenant; Wm. Hastings, Second Lieutenant; A. G. Graves, 
Second Lieutenant. 

Names of those who Avere killed in action, and died of wounds: 
Sergeant John R. AVarmington, killed at Chancellorsville, May 
3, 1863; Private Hp:nry D. Calloway, killed at Chancellorsville, 
May 3, 1863; Private Gerrit H. Van Denburg, killed at Coal 
Hail)or, June 12, 1863; Corporal Wm. A. Van Gaasbeek, died 
in hosjiital, at David's Island, June 23, of wounds received at 
Coal Harbor, June 6, 1864; Private John H. Metcalf, died in 
hospital, June ID, of wounds received June 17, 1864, near Peters- 
burg; Private Alfred C. Elwell, killed June 24, 1864, near 
Petersburg; Corporal William H. Buoughton, killed Sept. 2^, 



APPENDIX. 861 

1804, near Petersburg; Private Jonathan W. Scott, killed Nov. 

4, 18()4, near Petersl)urg-. 

Names of those who were wounded in action: 
Edwin AV. Burkagk, at Manassas, Aug. 26, 1S()2. 
John Market, do do 

Mark S. Acker, do do 

Lieutenant James T. Wyatt, Chaneellorsville, May 2, 1863. 
Corporal Charles M. Swann, do May '6, 1863. 

Corporal Edwai:d M. Mann, do do 

Private 8eth D. Patterson, do do 

Private David D. Davis, do do 

Private Duncan Cameron, do do 

Private James W. Parnell, do do 

Private L. M. Murray, do do 

Private John Zdimerman, Gettysl)urg, July 3, 1863. 
Private John Wilkes, do do 

Private Archibald Bates, do do 

Private John H. Sawyer, do do 

Private Philip Gardinier, do do 

Sergt. Orlando H. Cheney, do do 

Sergt. Charles W. Kelly, Coal Harbor, June 8, 1864. 
Private E. D. Willard, do June 12, 1864. 

Private E. H. Ropes, near Petersburg, June 17, 1864. 
Sergt. Jas. Groesbeck, 
Private Wm. H. Loag, 
Sergt. James A. Manning, 
Corpl. Adrian Gillett, 
Corpl. Wallace Robinson, 



ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH REGIMENT N. Y. 
S. V. (SEVENTH REGIMENT N. Y. V. ARTILLERY.) 

To the ki'ndness of Dr. James E. Pomfret, the Surgeon Gen- 
eral of the State of NeAv York, we are indebted for the following 
account of this distinguished regiment: 

The One Hundredand Thirteenth Regiment N. Y. S. V., after- 
wjirds the Seventh Regiment N. Y. V. Artillery, Avas formed in 
the Thirteenth Senatorial District, as the Albany County Regi- 
ment, in obedience to General Orders No. 52, General Head 
(Quarters, State of New York, dated A. G. O., Albany, N. Y., 
July 7, 1862, under the aus])ices of the following committee, 
api)oiuted by his Excellency (tov. E. D. Morgan, viz: 

lion. Eli Perry (Mayoij, Chairman, Gen. John F. Rathbone, 
Hon. LyMxVN Tremain, John Tracey, Esq., Thomas W. Olcott, 



do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


June 24, 1864, 


do 


do 


do 


do 



8G2 APPENDIX. 

Esq., George Dawson, Esq., Hon. Clark B. Cochrane, Hon. J. 
V. L. PRUYN, Frank Townsend, Esq., Samuel Anable, Esq., 
W. M. Van Antwerp, Esq., Hon. Geo. H. Thacher and Hon. 
Henry A. Brigha^m. 

The above gentlemen met on the 10th of July, 1862, and after 
enlarging the committee, divided into sub-committees for each 
ward and town in the county, they proceeded to recruit a regi- 
ment. 

The first man was enlisted on the 24th of July, and the last 
man on the loth of August, of that year, during which time over 
eleven hundred men were enlisted. 

The regiment was mustered into the United States service on 
August 18, 18(32, by Captain Leavis O. Morris, First United 
Stales Artillery, its Colonel, with the following held and staff 
officers: 

Colonel, Lewis O. Morris; Major, Edward A. Springsteed; 
Adjutant, Frederick L. Tremain; Quartermaster, E. Willard 
Smith; Surgeon, James E. Po3IFRp:t; Assistant Surgeon, J. Wes- 
ley Blaisdell; Assistant Surgeon, George W. Newcomb; Chap- 
lain, Humphrey L. Calder. 

The companies had the following officers: 

Company A. — Captain, Joseph M. Murphy; First Lieutenant, 
Abraiiajvi Sickles; Second Lieutenant, John B. Read. 

Company B. — Captain, Samuel E. Jones; First Lieutenant, 
James Kennedy; Second Lieutenant, Wm. E. Orr. 

Company C. — Captain, John A. Morris; First Lieutenant, 
Howard N. Rogers; Second Lieutenant, Matthew Bell. 

Company D. — Captain, Cilvrles McCulloch; First Lieuten- 
ant, Christian Schurr; Second Lieutenant, Henry C. Coulson. 

Company E. — Captain, Norman H. Moore; First Lieutenant, 
A. V. B. LocKROW; Second Lieutenant, John F. Mount. 

Company F. — Captain, Robert H. Bell; First Lieutenant^ 
Nathaniel Wright; Second Lieutenant, Robert Mullens. 

Company G. — Captain, Francis Pruyn; First Lieutenant, 
John S. McEwan; Second Lieutenant, Charles W. Hobbs. 

Company H. — Captain, Cap. McGuire; First Lieutenant, 
Charles Ducharme; Second Lieutenant, Franklin Pettit. 

Company I. — Captain, William Shannon; First Lieutenant, 
Joseph O. Hair; Second Lieutenant, Teunis M. Ball. 

Company K. — Captain, Samuel L. Annable; First Lieutenant^ 
Michael H. Barckley; Second Lieutenant, George Krank. 

The non-commissioned staff: 

Sergeant 31a j or, George H. Treadwell; Quartermaster Ser- 
geant, William Stevens; Commissary Sergeant, Frederick E. 
Scripture; Hospital Sttuxird, Alfred B. Huested; Principal 
Musician, William Wilson. 



APPENDIX. 



8()3 



The order to move was received at Regimental Head Quarters 
at eleven o'clock a. m. on the lUth of August, 18G2, and on the 
same evening the regiment left Albany at six o'clock. 

For this promptness in moving, the regiment received the 
thanks of his Excellency Gov. Morgan; and an elegant silk flag 
was given to it as one of the four regiments which first left the 
State under that call for troops. On its arrival in Washiugton, 
on the 21st of August, it was immediately placed in the defences 
of that city, north of the Potomac. 

In December the regiment was changed from infantry to artil- 
lery, by order of the Secretary of War, and designated as the 
Seventh Eegiment New York Volunteer Artillery. Two com- 
panies (L and M) were added in the spring of 18G4, organized 
as follows: 

Company L. — Captain, James Kennedy; First Lieutenant, 
Fred. W. Mather; Second Lieutenant, Chas. C. McClellan. 

Company M. — Captain, George H. Treadwell; First Lieu- 
tenant, George B. Smallie; Second Lieutenant, Edgar S. Moss. 

Under the artillery organization, each company was entitled 
to one hundred and forty-seven enlisted men and five commis- 
sioned officers, and was soon recruited to the full standard. 

While in the defences, the regiment was engaged in re-building, 
strengthening and extending the works. It garrisoned, substan- 
tially reconstructed and cleared the timber for three miles in 
advance of the following works: Forts Pennsylvania (afterwards 
Reno), De Russey, Kearney, Gaines, Bayard, Ripley, Franklin 
and Alexander; and Batteries Smead, Reno, Cameron, Vermont 
and Martin Scott. It also did duty on Mason's Island, on the 
Potomac river. 

On the 14th of May, 1864, the regiment was ordered to join 
the Army of the Potomac. It left on the Kith, passing through 
Bell Plain and Fredericksburg, and on the night of the 17th it 
joined the army near Spottsylvania Court House, Va. With 
other artillery regiments, it constituted the Fourth Division of 
the Second Army'Corps. On the 19th, it fought its first battle 
on the Po river, defending the army trains from an attempt to 
capture them hy the enemy. It lost thirteen killed, sixty-two 
wounded, and nine missing. Moving with the Second Corps 
through Guiness Station and Bowling Green, it reached the North 
Anna, and on the 23d was again engaged, losing four killed, 
twenty-four Avounded, and four missing. Leaving the North 
Anna, it passed through Chesterfield, crossed the Pamunkey 
river at Newcastle, and reached Tolopotomy creek, when the 
Fourth Division of the Second Corps was broken up, and the 
regiment joined the Fourth Brigade of the First Division of the 
Second Corps. On the evening of the 29th, it made a charge 



864 APPENDIX. 

against the enemy's works, which were carried at the cost of 
twenty-four killed, seventy-one wounded, and twelve missing. 
Moving to the left from Tolopotomy creek, it reached the enemy's 
works at Coal Harbor, and on the 3d of June made its gallant 
charge, carrying th(! hrst line of the enemy's Morks, capturing a 
l)attle flag, three hundred prisoners, and getting possession of 
several guns of the enemy. The losses of the regiment were 
very heavy, there being no less than seventy-six men killed, two 
hundred and forty-eight wounded, and one hundred and sixteen 
mis.sing; most of the missing being killed inside of the enemy's 
works. 

On the 4th of June, while examining the enemy's works, in 
company with Gen. Barloav, Col. Mokpjs was shot by a sharp- 
shooter, of which wound he died in the Fii'st Division Hospital 
on the same day. 

Swinging round from Coal Harbor, the regiment crossed the 
Chickahominy at Long Bridge, thence to the James river, which 
it crossed at Windmill Point on transports, and passing through 
Prince George Court House and City Point, it reached the south- 
east of Petersburg on the night of the 15th. On the evening of 
the 16th it participated in the unsuccessful charge against the 
works of that city, losing in the charge thirty-tlve killed, one 
hundred and live wounded, and three hundred and four taken 
prisoners. Of these prisoners, few survived the lingering tortures 
of Andersonville. 

The regiment remained on duty near Petersburg during the 
fall and Avinter of '64, It participated in the expeditions to 
Deep Bottom on July 27 and August 22, from which place it had 
just returned, when it was ordered on to the Weldon railroad, 
to destroy it, which was done for several miles. It participated 
also in the disastrous tight of Peam's Station, in which it suffered 
greatly, losing a large proportion of officers, among whom were 
Lieut. Col. Spkixgsteed, Capt. Natiianiel Wright and Capt. 
James Kennedy. 

This was its last light. It entered the Army of the Potomac 
on the 19th of May, Avith sixty-six officers and seventeen hundred 
and seventy-four men tit for duty; and on the morning of the 
28th of August, exclusive of the medical staff, it had six officers 
and one hundred and sixty-eight men fit for duty. 

On the 22d of Fel)ruary, 1865, a small artillery regiment being 
required for duty in Baltimore, the Seventh Avas ordered to that 
l)oint, Avhere it remained until mustered out in June and August, 
1865. 

The following officers Avere killed in l)attle: 

Col. L. O. Morris, at Coal Harbor, Va., June 4; Lieut. Col. 
E. A. Springsteed, at Ream's Station, August 25; Capt. Chas. 



APPENDIX. 8()5 

IVTcCuLLOCK, at River Po, May 10; Capt. John A. Moeris, at 
lliver Po, May 19; Capt. N. Wright, at Ream's Station, Auirust 
25; Lieut. J. B. Read, at Coal Harbor, June 3; Lieut. T. J. 
jNIcClure, at Coal Harbor, June 3; Lieut. C. S. Evans, at Coal 
Harbor, June 4; Lieut. C. L. Yearsley, at Petersburg, June 16. 

The following officers died from the immediate effects of 
wounds: 

Capt. R. H. Bell, Avounded at Po river, May 19; died at 
Georgetown, D. C, June. Capt. C. Maguire, wounded, captured 
at Petersburg June 22] died at Petersburg July 4. Capt. Jas. 
Kennedy, wounded, captured at Ream's Station August 25; died 
at Libby September 9. Lieut. M. H. Barkley, wounded at Coal 
Harbor, June 4; died in Washington, June 29. Lieut. W. E. 
Orr, wounded at North Anna, May 25; died in Washington, 
June 1. Lieut. Matthew Bell, died of consumption, at Eort 
Reno, D. C. Lieut. E. S. Moss, captured at Petersburg, June 
16; died of yellow fever, at Charleston, S. C, October 6. Lieut. 
C. S. White, died of typhoid fever, at the Smith House, July 15. 



There were other Regiments organized in this city, but com- 
posed mainly of recruits from other counties. 

The Twenty-eighth Regiment N. Y. S. V. was organized at 
Albany, on the 18th of May, 1861. It was composed of compa- 
nies, recruited and accepted, from Lockport, Medina, Canandai- 
gua, Batavia, Albion, Monticello, and Niagara Falls. 

The Thirty-fourth Regiment Infantry N. Y. S. V. was organ- 
ized at Albany, and left for Washington on the 3d of July, 1861, 
via New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, where it arrived on 
the 5th. 

The Sixteenth Regiment Infantry N. Y. S. V., or " First North- 
ern New York Regiment," was organized at Albany on the 10th 
of May, 1861, from companies recruited in the northern counties 
of the State. 



55 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

OF THE 

NAMES OF THE OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS NOTICED IN THIS VOLUME. 



A. Page. 

Albraight, James 832 

Allen, Henry II 837 

Aiieus, Sergt. AValter H 601 

B. 

Bailey, George R 832 

Bailey, f^orpl. John E 669 

Baker, Charles C 842 

Ball, Lucius E 829 

Bandy Joseph N 837 

Barker, Capt. Augustus 1 414 

Barcklev, Lieut. Michael H 545 

Barker, "Thomas AY 841 

Barton, David 838 

Barton, Charles F 838 

Barlow, William II 842 

Becker, William E 834 

Bell, Edmund 830 

Bell, Lieut. Matthew 565 

Bell , Capt. Rol)ert II 451 

Bell, Sergt. William H 617 

Benedict. Bvt Brig. Gen. Lewis. .. . 88 

Bogardus, Charles B 829 

Bogardus, William H 829 

Bogart, Maj. James H 343 

Bouch, Peter G 830 

Bowie, John 841 

Breche, Josejjh 832 

Briggs, John H 842 

Briggs. William M 745 

Brice. Charles 842 

Brower, Charles M 715 

Browcr, Lieut. Henry D 499 

Brown. George W 831 

Bronk, Eugene 833 

Bryan, Col . Michael K 195 

Burhans, Capt. David 453 

Burriskill, Samuel 842 

Burns. Christopher G 842 



Page. 

Canull, John H 829 

CanuU, William H 829 

Carhart, Abram M 787 

Carkuard, Andrew B 833 

Carknard, Joel 833 

Carkuard, John E 833 

Carknard, William H 833 

Carroll, Capt. Edward B 433 

Carroll, Col. Howard 236 

Carter, John B 843 

Gary, Thomas E 843 

Caverly, John C 758 

Chandler, Corpl. David W 823 

Chandler, Samuel W . ,.. 743 

Chapman, Charles B 843 

Christopher, John A . . , 842 

Clark, Lieut. Wijliam P 57^ 

Comstock, Franklin 836 

Conley, John H. 678 

Corliss, Roswell B 717 

Cornwell, Leonard 828 

Crandall, Edwin 828 

Cranston, William II 836 

Craft. John B 842 

Crawford, David II 841 

Crounse, Sergt. William 620 

Crounse, John Q. A 798 

D. 

Bnrling, Corpl. Robert B 652 

Dawson, Maj. George S 318 

DeLacoy, James 844 

Demp.sey, Lieut. James L 514 

Denijjscy, Lieut. John M 524 

Detmison, Jesse 841 

Douw, Capt John DeP 384 

Dudley, Orange 725 

Dunham, Josiah 756 

Dunkin, Dennis 824 



C. I E. 

Cady, William C 684 , Elder, George 824 

Cadwell, Robert A 755 j Eugle, John 831 

Campbell, Adam 824 Evans, Lieut. Charles S 519 

Campion, William F 842 Everett, Capt. Robert B 450 

Cameron, Corpl. Robert H 641 | Everling. John A 831 



868 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 



Fee, Capt. John A 427 

relay, John 831 | 

Fellows. Addison J ' 4L 

Fish, Nathan L »^9 

Finch, Isaac E ^'f 

Flagel, John...... «^l 

Fletcher, Leonaid G »'^o 

Fredenrich, Sergt. Charles H 59<> 

Frink, John R obO 

Frisby, Col. Edward 11 J 

G. 

Gates, Corpl. George T 628 

Gcrling, Sergt. James S oUb 

Gladding, Joseph 

Goewey, Lieut. John T. B 

Goldwait, Thomas 

Goold, James E 





559 
737 
719 



Greason, Edward 836 



Green, Charles 



839 



H. 



Page. 

Kennedy, Capt. James 420 

Kilbourn, George W «1;^ 

Kimmer, Joseph ^o^ 

King, Robert H ^88 

Kirkland, Theodore »^i 

L. 

Lamoreaux. Corpl. William H 11... 823 

I Latham, Corpl. Charles G bbo 

Lawson, Peter ^.^3 

Lawpaugh . Alfred ^41 

Leddy, William G ^-..b 

Lembrocht, Corpl. Alfred »--.± 

Lewis. Corpl. Alonzo E h4b 

Lisk, Charles B «;^^ 

Lockley. John A 

Lockwood, Marcus D 

Lodge, Capt. Douglass 

Loomis, Samuel G ' ^° 

Long, John •• «'^-^ 

Ludden, Corpl. Alonzo G 

Lyon, John 



Haight, Jasper . . 
Haines. Adam M 



831 



38 
811 
435 



672 
828 



M. 

Madden, Fergus. l^f 



Hainesi Amos G 838 Maher, Lieut. Patrick 



46 

830 
838 



Hamraill, Hugh 
Hammond, James H 

Hane, Elias 

Harvey, Levi I '^j' 

Harrigan, Michael ^-*;3 

Hartness, Thomas L ^4o 

Haswell. Arthur 81L 

Haskell, Charles A 

Havens, William 

Haves. Azor T 

Helild, Lieut. Charles W 
Heermance, Charles S 
Herrins 



843 
793 
797 
454 
749 



Maun, Simeon H ^f^ 

Marshall, William D »-» 

Martin George ^t- 

Mattoon. W. V. R "f;^ 

McCarty. Timothy ^;^,;! 

McCuUoch, David 

McCulloch. Stephen 

McConnel. Lieut. Henry 

McDonald, John 

McDonald, Maj. Miles.. 

McGaffin, John 

McGuire, Capt. John 



8UG 
808 
564 
843 
355 
834 
443 



James 831 McMahon, Col. James P 



33 

586 
567 
802 
837 



Hi2;ham, Edward A.. 
Hill, Lieut. Edward B 
Hill, Lieut. Luther II. 
Hotl'man, Alanson F.. 
Hollenbeck, Uriah ... ^ 

Holmes, Edmund - 'o4 

Holmes, Corpl. Erastus H b/ 1 

Holmes. James • ^^; 

Hotaling, Sergt. Andrew T bio 

Huntley, Justin R ^jo 

Hurd, F. S 

Hurlburt, Capt. Henry b 



Merihew, 



brville 829 



843 
1 



Merriman, Capt. H. N . . . 

Miller, Addisim B 

Mitchel, Gen. Ormsby M. 

Montraville, Henry 

Morgan, Lieut. James H. 
Morris, Capt. John A... 

Morris, Col. Lewis O 

Moore. Corpl. W.H 

Murry, Corpl. William .. 



J. 



Jackson, Col. William A 

Jaques, Sergt. Maj. 1. P 

Judge. Sergt. Michael B--^ 



129 
591 



N. 



Northrop, Joseph P 



423 
794 
53 
843 
542 
440 
214 
649 
624 



830 



Noxon, 



Lieut. Robert G <^" 



o. 



K. 

Kellogg, Andrew W.. 
Kellv, Samuel W. ... 



O'Brien, William T 

Orr, Lieut. William E. 

838 Osterhout, Henry O. . 

767 Ostroin, Cyrus B 



844 
539 
836 
8-0 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 



869 



P- Page. 

Parks, Stephen P 751 

Pearse, Sebastian 810 

Pease, Minot H 7Go 

Percy, Sergt. Gustavus A iVSo 

Perkins, John G 771 

Phillips, Lieut. John P 571 

Pierson, Lieut. Charles B 822 

Pitts, Joel B 811 

Phitto, Edwai-d C 839 

Pohinuin, Lieut. William II -ii'ii 

Post, William 829 

Pratt. Col. George W 210 

Pringle. James 825 

Pruyn, Maj. Charles E 280 

Q. 

Quay, Corpl. Lewis W 664 

Quay, Sergt. Paul 618 

R. 

Raferty, Peter 839 

Ranna. Jolia 831 

Read. Lieut. John B 562 

Reehl, Orderly Sergt. Louis 822 

Reid, Lieut. James 822 

Rice, Gen. James C 65 

Rice, Sergt. Alexander D 609 

Rice. James 827 

Rider, John 841 

Riter, George 837 

Roach, Corpl. Isaac J 665 

Rowland, John G 833 

Russell, Adjt. JohuH 881 

s. 

Sanders. Sergt. George 611 

Sanders, Sergt. Henry B 822 

Sayre. Henry 752 

Scahall, John 826 

Scheidler, Christian 844 

Schermerhorn, George W 760 

Schindler, Max 832 

Scofield, James W 834 

Scraffbrd, James A 788 

Secor, Gabriel 837 

Settle, Madison 837 

Shaffin-. John 844 

Shepard, Lieut. Sylvester B 573 

Shoness, William 840 

Shilltbrd, Matthew 832 

Sickler, Christopher J 834 

Sitterlv, Corpl. Martin 661 

Slater, Corpl. Jacob H 823 

Slawson, Alexander S 734 

Smith, Corpl. Albert C 639 

Smith, John 837 

Smith, Levi 840 

Smith, Thomas, Jr 844 

Sn.'ll, William 763 

Soullnviek, Lieut. James McA 578 



I Pago. 

I Spanberg, William 833 

Springer, Aaron P 773 

Springstfed. Ma]. Edward A 386 

Sprinks, William D 825 

Stackhouse, Maj. George W 361 

Statt'ord. Lieut. Col. M. B 277 

Stalker, Orderly Sergt. P. M 589 

Stalker. William H 830 

Stei>hens. Clarence II 844 

Stevens. George 740 

Stevens, .lames K 835 

j Stevens, Peter 11 837 

! Stewart. Corpl. James 823 

Striuer, Chauneey 830 

Strong, Adjt. Richard M 362 

Stultz, John 832 

Sullivan, Capt. John 447 

Swartwout, Alexander 839 

Swartwout, George 840 

T. 

Taylor, Jacob A 836 

Taylor, John 829 

Taylor, Peter 832 

Teal , Isaac 834 

Temj)le. Capt. William J 410 

Thornton. Abraham S 844 

Tremain, Lieut. Col. F. S 243 

Turner, Adam 835 

Tuthill, Daniel L 835 

V. 

Van Allen, Charles 817 

Van Allen. Jacob 816 

Van Bueren, John 766 

Van Deuseu, Daniel 829 

Van Denburg, Gerrit H 774 

Van Denburg. Corpl. Philip 656 

Van Denburg, Williaui H 826 

Vanderhoof, Sergt. Josepli C 613 

Vanderlip, Wotkyns 827 

Vanderpoel, Garret H 831 

Van Gaasbeek, William A 707 

Van Hagen, Jesse D 744 

Van Rensselaer, Col. Henry 207 

Van Santvoord, Capt. Eugene 402 

Van Vliet, George E , . . 835 

Van Wie, George 790 

Visscher, Harmon. Jr 739 

Visscher, Col. James D 231 

w. 

Wagner, Michael 789 

Walker. Stephen 832 

Wallace, Maj. William 349 

Wallay. John G 831 

Wardrobe, Thomas 825 

Warner, Peter W 829 

Warren, George H 829 

Waters, Joel 834 



870 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 



Page. 

Webb, James 840 

White Stephen R 718 

White Silas 810 

Whyte, Williajii J 748 

Williamson. Lieut. James 457 

Wildday, Hiram 830 

Wilson, Col. John 141 

Willsey, David B 842 

Wilson, James 809 

Wilson, Joel 796 

Wise, Daniel W 834 

Wolcott, George B 696 



Pago. 

Wood. Hiram D 8B1 

Wood; James E 828 

Wood. Jesse D 830 

Wooley, William 1 827 

Wooley, George C 841 

Wright, Carpenter N 829 

Wright. John 841 

Wright, Capt. Nathaniel 445 

Y. 

Yearsley, Lieut. Charles L 554 

Young, Corpl. James 645 



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